The Atlantic Labour Law Conference is the must-attend event for legal practitioners, arbitrators, HR professionals, and labour relations experts in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. This conference delivers in-depth analysis of the latest legislative changes, key case law developments, and emerging workplace issues specific to the Atlantic region. Featuring leading speakers from across the provinces, the program offers practical insights into how recent legal decisions are shaping labour relations strategies and compliance in Atlantic Canada. Designed for professionals seeking to stay current in a dynamic legal landscape, the conference also offers valuable opportunities to connect with experts and peers across the region. Strengthen your understanding of Atlantic labour law, refine your approach to workplace challenges, and expand your professional network.

In this conference, leading labour relations, lawyers, and human rights professionals will explore recent labour law developments, policies, and emerging workplace human rights challenges in Atlantic Canada (including content and expert speakers specific to Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick). Throughout the event, panelists from union-side, employer-side, and neutral perspectives from the Atlantic region will share their insights through moderated discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions verbally or electronically at the end of each panel.  Participants will also be provided with a comprehensive set of digital materials including textbook chapters, case summaries, and other online resources relevant to panel discussions These resources, developed through hours of research by Lancaster House program lawyers, will prove invaluable for future reference.

This event is designed for professionals across multiple industries, including:

• Human Resources Leaders – HR managers, directors, and disability management specialists navigating accommodations and compliance.
• Employment & Labour Lawyers – Legal professionals seeking updates on human rights and workplace accommodation case law.
• Union Representatives & Labour Relations Experts – Advocates ensuring fair treatment of employees in collective bargaining.
• Corporate Executives & Compliance Officers – Business leaders responsible for implementing workplace policies aligned with human rights law.
• Government & Public Sector Professionals – HR and legal representatives working in municipal, provincial, and federal agencies.

8:00-9:00: Networking Breakfast and Registration

9:00-9:05: Introductory Remarks

9:05-10:20: Panel 1: New and Noteworthy: Major recent caselaw, legislation, and policy developments

10:20-10:35: Break

10:35-11:35: Panel 2: Many Happy Returns? Navigating return-to-office mandates, hybrid and flex work, and the duty to accommodate

11:35-12:30: Networking Lunch

12:35-1:45: Panel 3: Workplaces that Work: Preventing discrimination, harassment, and psychological harm

1:45-2:00: Break

2:00-3:15: Panel 4: Investigating Investigations: Expert guidance, best practices and recent caselaw

3:15-3:30: Break

3:30-4:00: Fireside Chat: Incivility, Aging Workforces, & the New Realities of Workplace Culture

8:00-9:00: Networking Breakfast and Registration

9:00-9:05: Opening remarks

9:05-10:20: Panel 5:  Terminations and Transformations: Navigating restructuring, layoffs, economic pressures

10:20-10:35: Break

10:35-11:50: Panel 6: Building an Inclusive Workplace: Supporting and accommodating mental health and neurodivergence at work

11:50-12:50: Networking Lunch

12:50-2:05: Panel 7: Pursuing the Road to Resolution: The future of arbitration, ADR, Med-Arb, and other strategies to resolve disputes

2:05-2:20: Break

2:20-3:45: Panel 8: Uses and Abuses of Modern Technology: A scenario-based session on social media, employee monitoring, and AI

3:45: Closing remarks