Public relations’ status as a profession in Canada and internationally is a heavily
contested and debated topic that speaks to a number of issues plaguing the field since the early
1920s. These issues include its fragmentation through sub-disciplines (e.g., corporate
communications, crisis communications, public affairs, media relations); negative reputation
with the public; lack of support for the accreditation process amongst practitioners and
employers; and public relations’ struggle to find a place within the executive role of
organizations. Despite these issues the public relations industry in Canada has experienced
significant growth in employment and university education during the past 20 years. That
growth, impressive though it is, does not assuage an industry that is still coming to terms with
these problems