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Program Description

The Labour Relations Certificate Program, presented by Toronto Metropolitan University and Lancaster House, is designed to provide individuals engaged in labour relations with the core skills and knowledge required to create and maintain productive union-management relationships that foster fair and efficient workplaces.

Taught by Canada’s leading labour relations scholars and practitioners, this program combines theory, leading research, and professional experience to provide an education that has immediate application in participants’ workplaces.

  • Access to leading Canadian experts in a small-group setting
  • Active learning through group discussion, case studies, and simulations
  • Balanced coverage of labour and management points of view
  • Management, union, and neutral attendees learn together
  • Exposure to diverse opinions and extensive knowledge of fellow participants
  • Variety of speakers (academics, lawyers, practitioners, subject-matter experts)

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Understand Canada’s labour relations framework and the roles of key parties. 
  • Navigate grievance processes and apply rules of contract interpretation. 
  • Conduct fair and effective workplace investigations. 
  • Apply the legal principles behind accommodation and undue hardship. 
  • Interpret and apply labour and employment legislation and case law. 
  • Distinguish among mediation, arbitration, and conciliation processes. 
  • Use practical strategies to resolve workplace conflict. 
  • Develop and implement collective bargaining strategies. 
  • Engage effectively in union-management discussions. 

Research and apply arbitration awards and legal decisions.

Who Should Attend

This certificate program is ideal for professionals involved in managing workplace relationships, interpreting labour laws, or navigating unionized environments across sectors, including: 

  • Human Resources and Labour Relations Professionals – HR managers, labour relations specialists, and workplace leaders responsible for interpreting collective agreements, managing grievances, and supporting sound labour practices. 
  • Union Representatives and Labour Advocates – Individuals representing unionized employees who seek to deepen their understanding of legal frameworks, grievance handling, collective bargaining, and member advocacy. 
  • Supervisors and Front-Line Managers – Team leaders and operational managers in unionized settings who want to build confidence in applying collective agreements and managing workplace conflict. 
  • Labour and Employment Lawyers – Legal professionals who advise on workplace law and policy and wish to broaden their practical and strategic knowledge of labour relations. 
  • Mediators, Arbitrators, and Investigators – Professionals involved in dispute resolution or workplace investigations who need a stronger foundation in labour relations principles and practices. 
  • Public Sector Administrators and Policy Makers – Individuals who oversee or design labour policy in government and public institutions, or who interact with unions in their day-to-day roles. 

What to Expect

This eight-session certificate program is delivered through half-day virtual sessions held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Each session combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development, reflecting Lancaster House’s signature approach to professional learning. 

Participants take part in an engaging and interactive experience that includes facilitated discussions, live polls, simulations, and small-group breakout rooms. Throughout the program, experienced faculty such as lawyers, mediators, investigators, and subject matter experts provide instruction, guidance, and real-time feedback based on practical experience. 

All participants receive a comprehensive digital resource package that includes textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional materials prepared by Lancaster House program lawyers to support ongoing learning. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate jointly issued by Lancaster House and Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms. 

REGISTER NOW:

$5,495.00

Testimonials

The program exceeded my expectations with its consistently valuable content and the exceptional quality of staff and guest speakers who were always supportive, knowledgeable, and engaging, which made the entire learning experience truly enriching. 

What I found especially beneficial were the practical, hands-on skills we developed through role-playing exercises. These activities not only reinforced the theoretical knowledge but also boosted my professional confidence in real-world applications. Additionally, the program helped me uncover a new passion and I am currently considering a potential future career path as an arbitrator.  

I would highly recommend the Labour Relations program to HR professionals, and anyone interested in labour relations because of its perfect balance of expert instruction, practical experience, and inspiring mentorship.

— Jeff Fry, CHRP | Human Resources Professional

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the small cohort size, which fostered meaningful discussion, collaboration, and engagement. The national makeup of the cohort was equally enriching, offering diverse perspectives across jurisdictions while highlighting shared challenges and approaches in labour relations. The curriculum was comprehensive and practical, covering a wide range of topics over eight weeks and providing materials I continue to reference in my [work].  

A standout feature was the consistent inclusion of practitioner panelists, often representing both employer and union perspectives. [Hearing] both sides provided a well-rounded and realistic view of each topic, moving beyond theory to show how labour relations operates in practice. This balanced exposure deepened my understanding of the field and highlighted the breadth of career pathways available.

— Sarah Frion | Senior Portfolio Lead

CPD INFORMATION

Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada. More details regarding specific approvals from CPD accreditors to come.

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