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What to Expect

In this conference, leading labour relations, lawyers, and human rights professionals will explore recent legal developments and emerging workplace human rights challenges in B.C. and federally.

Throughout the event, panelists from union-side, employer-side, and neutral perspectives 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.

Attendees also have the option to attend our featured expert-led workshop offered by our Centre for Labour Relations Training & Development, taking place the day before the conference, where attendees will engage in panel hands-on scenarios tailored to address real workplace human rights challenges.

Who Should Attend?

This conference will provide invaluable learning and networking opportunities for:

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.

Learning Outcomes

By attending this conference, you will:

✔ Understand the latest human rights law updates and their impact on workplace policies.

✔ Gain best practices for accommodation requests related to disability, religion, and family status.

✔ Develop strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace and preventing discrimination.

✔ Learn from top legal and HR experts through engaging panel discussions and real-world case studies.

✔ Network with industry peers and build valuable professional connections.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Breakfast: 8:00 – 9:00 am

Introductory Remarks: 9:00 – 9:05 am

Patricia Barkaskas

Associate Professor
Allard School of Law
The University of British Columbia

Break: 10:25 – 10:45 am

Networking lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Break: 1:45 – 2:05 pm

 

Starleigh Grass

Assistant Director
Field Services Division
British Columbia Teachers Federation (BCTF)

Christianne Paras

Executive Director of Restorative Justice Association of BC

Joshua Sutherland

Employer Counsel
Zacharias Vickers McCann LLP

Closing remarks: 3:35 – 3:45 pm

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Breakfast and registration: 8:00 – 9:00 am

Opening remarks: 9:00 – 9:05 am

Menachem Freedman

Union Counsel
Hamilton Howell Bain & Gould

Eric Ito

Employer Counsel
Cooperwilliams Truman & Ito LLP

Koml Kandola

Arbitrator and Mediator
Kandola Arbitration Services Ltd.

Break: 10:20 – 10:40 am

Tina-Marie Bradford

Staff Representative
Advocacy Department
BCGEU

Jessica Fairbairn

Employer Counsel
Harris & Co.

Ryan Goldvine

Arbitrator and Mediator
Goldvine Dispute Resolution Services
Member
BC Human Rights Tribunal

Networking lunch: 11:40 – 12:40 pm

 

 

Shelley Ball

Lawyer and Investigator
Shelsu Pacific Consulting Inc.

Sandra Guarascio

Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell LLP

Dr Nicole Legg

Dr. Nicole Legg

Clinical Psychology​
Co-Founder and CEO
WellIntel Inc.

David Tarasoff

Union Counsel
Hospital Employees Union

Break: 1:55 – 2:15 pm

Closing remarks: 3:45 – 3:55 pm

Food and Beverages

Breakfast and lunch to be provided, with a variety of snacks and refreshments available during breaks. Breakfast is provided prior to the workshop and will be available starting at 8:00 am. Please share any dietary requirements at the time of registration so we can best accommodate your needs.

Pricing

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Both Days

$1,995.00Add to cart

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Day 1

$1,195.00Add to cart

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Day 2

$1,195.00Add to cart

Bundle pricing is available:

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop)

$2,690.00Add to cart

Conference Co-Chairs

Jonathan Chapnick

Member
BC Human Rights Tribunal

Sara Hanson

Union Counsel
Moore Edgar Lyster LLP

Kristen Woo

Legal counsel
BC Public School Employers’ Association

Advisory Committee

Kaity Cooper

General Counsel
Health Employees’ Union (HEU)

Peter Eastwood

Union Counsel
Hamilton Howell Bain & Gould

Jaime Hoopes

Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell LLP

Laura Track

Director of Human Rights Clinic
Director of Public Legal Education
Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

Megan Tweedie

Director
Human Rights Office
Simon Fraser University

CPD

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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