Employment Law Conference
As workplaces across Canada continue to adapt to rapid changes in technology, legislation, and employee expectations, HR professionals are facing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
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This conference is designed to provide HR leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors with actionable insights on critical topics such as workplace investigations, employee rights, emerging human resources policies, and compliance with new and complex legislation.
Through sessions hosted by experienced Ross & McBride lawyers, attendees will gain the tools needed to navigate today’s employment landscape while fostering inclusive, supportive, and legally sound workplaces.
Sessions At-A-Glance:
Workplace Investigations: Do I Really Need an External Investigator?
Navigating Sick Leave: Policies that Protect and Perform
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) in the Digital Age
Work from Home: A Legal and Practical Playbook
Employer Responsibilities: Unpacking Human Rights in the Workplace
Enforceable Termination Provisions: Easier Said Than Done?
Agenda:
Speakers:
Full Session Details:
SESSION 1 - Workplace Investigations: Do I Really Need an External Investigator?
A workplace complaint may lead to an internal investigation, but when does a situation require an expensive third-party investigator? Join seasoned Labour & Employment Law lawyers Wade Poziomka and Jennifer Zdriluk for an in-depth discussion on the increasing demand for investigations, the legal and ethical implications of handling them internally, and when external support becomes a necessity. Attendees will leave with practical do’s and don’ts for conducting investigations that are fair, compliant, and cost-effective. This session is critical for HR professionals looking to balance fiscal responsibility with their duty to protect workplace integrity and employee trust.
SESSION 2 - Navigating Sick Leave: Policies that Protect and Perform
Managing sick leave can be a complex responsibility for HR professionals. From determining the need for a doctor’s note to arranging for proper accommodations, every decision may have a legal or financial implication. Ed Canning, an employment lawyer in Hamilton for more than three decades, will offer an essential guide to creating policies that are not only compliant, but also compassionate and cost-effective. Learn how patience and clear communication can prevent costly disputes while protecting both your organization and your employees. Consider these tips and best practices indispensable—especially when it comes to building a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being and fairness and minimizes risk.
SESSION 3 - The Employment Standards Act (ESA) in the Digital Age
The ESA is evolving to meet the needs of modern, connected workplaces, but are your policies keeping up? In this session, Nick Papageorge, well-versed in severance package negotiations, wrongful dismissal claims, human rights, and workplace discrimination matters, will break down everything from the right to disconnect to electronic monitoring legislation. Papageorge will offer practical guidance on crafting compliant policies, managing Ministry of Labour complaints, and understanding the implications of these changes for workplace operations. As digital tools continue to blur the line between work and personal life, the knowledge shared here will empower HR leaders to champion employee well-being while also upholding compliance.
SESSION 4 - Work from Home: A Legal and Practical Playbook
Remote work is here to stay, but with it comes a host of legal and logistical challenges. Wes Jamieson, represents both workers and employers in Hamilton and beyond and he will discuss topics such as developing work-from-home policies that avoid constructive dismissal claims. Wes will also cover topics such as employee performance and overtime, as well as how to maintain workplace safety standards for remote workers. Touching on everything from human rights accommodations to electronic monitoring, this is a can’t-miss session for HR professionals striving to balance flexibility with accountability. Consider it a great opportunity to start future-proofing your remote work strategies.
SESSION 5 - Employer Responsibilities: Unpacking Human Rights in the Workplace
Human rights laws can evolve over time, creating new responsibilities for employers to accommodate medical needs and other protected grounds. In this session, Wade Poziomka will team up with Human Rights Law associate Daniel Mulroy to unpack some of the latest developments in human rights law, including legal decisions that are shaping employer responsibilities. Attendees will learn about the duty to accommodate, how to best support medical claims, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. For HR professionals committed to equity and compliance, this session will present the ins and outs of effectively handling today’s essential obligations.
SESSION 6 - Enforceable Termination Provisions: Easier Said Than Done?
Termination provisions are a cornerstone of employment agreements, but crafting an enforceable one is easier said than done. That’s why Sean Jackson (Lawyer, Labour & Employment law) is eager to share critical strategies for drafting provisions that minimize risk and withstand legal scrutiny. Attendees will learn how to balance clarity and fairness, ensuring their employment contracts are legally sound and protect organizational interests, and Jackson will also breakdown the latest in relevant case law developments. This session is a must for HR leaders who want to stay ahead of legal challenges while fostering trust and transparency in their employment relationships.