“Good Character” Questions 

As you complete your application to join the HRPA, you will notice that there are a number of questions that you are required to answer that relate to concepts such as criminal convictions, misconduct, civil judgments, denial of a licence by another body, bankruptcy, etc.  

These types of questions are common when you want to join a regulatory body such as the HRPA because of regulators’ duties to promote and protect the public interest. These questions are often called “good character” questions. 

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, the HRPA will reach out to you for more information, unless all the relevant information has already been uploaded with your online application.  

The HRPA will review the information you provide. The HRPA may then 

• approve your application, or  

• refer your application to the Registration Committee.  

If the Registration Committee reviews your application, it may 

• approve your application, 

• impose conditions or restrictions on your admission to the HRPA, or 

• in certain circumstances, deny your application.  

Where one of the answers to a “good character” question is “yes,” there are several factors that may be considered, depending on the question. Some factors that may be considered include  

• the specific nature of the situation, 

• the seriousness of the situation, 

• the duration of the situation, 

• the amount of time that has passed since the situation, 

• your attitude to the situation (e.g., evidence of remorse),  

• your rehabilitation (e.g., steps you have taken since the situation, such as treatment), and 

• the relationship between the situation and a registrant’s professional role and obligations. 

Your honesty and candour, cooperation with the HRPA, potential disadvantage that contributed to the situation, and other factors may also be considered. Because of the importance of honesty, candour, and cooperation with a regulator, lack of these qualities during the application process may be considered a serious concern. Accordingly, you are strongly encouraged to be honest and forthright in answering these questions. 

Relevant Documents 

In all cases of a “yes” answer, you should submit a brief written explanation.  

Additional documents you submit depend on the question to which you answered “yes” and your specific situation. Below are categories of “good character” questions with a non-exhaustive list of potentially relevant documents. 

When you upload or submit documents, please do not include communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege or a similar privilege. 

The Registration Committee typically makes a decision within 2–4 weeks of receiving all required documents.