BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Lancaster House - ECPv6.15.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Lancaster House
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://lancasterhouse.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Lancaster House
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Halifax
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0300
TZNAME:ADT
DTSTART:20250309T060000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0300
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:AST
DTSTART:20251102T050000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250416
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250418
DTSTAMP:20260420T173500
CREATED:20240806T201553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T191019Z
UID:14518-1744761600-1744934399@lancasterhouse.com
SUMMARY:Vancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference 2025
DESCRIPTION:Championing Workplace Equity\, Inclusion\, and ComplianceWhat is the Vancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference 2025?The Vancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference 2025 is the premier event for HR professionals\, legal practitioners\, union representatives\, and business leaders seeking cutting-edge insights into human rights law\, workplace accommodations\, and equity\, diversity\, and inclusion (EDI) best practices. Hosted by Lancaster House\, this two-day event offers expert-led discussions\, real-world case studies\, and interactive sessions to help organizations navigate emerging legal challenges in the workplace. \nVancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Bundle: Conference + Workshop$1\,995.00Read more	\n			\n  \nVancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Pre-Conference Workshop$1\,095.00Read more	\n			\n  \nVancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference$1\,395.00Read more	\n			\n  \nWhat We’re CoveringOur 2025 agenda is carefully curated to address the latest human rights issues and accommodation challenges facing employers\, unions\, and employees. Key topics include: \n\nLandmark Human Rights Cases & Legislative Updates – Stay ahead of the latest legal changes impacting human rights law. \n\nHuman Rights in Hybrid Workplaces – Managing accommodations in the era of remote and hybrid work. \n\nEquity\, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategies – Tackling systemic discrimination and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. \n\nMental Health and Disability Accommodations – Proactive approaches to supporting employee wellness. \n\nFree Speech vs. Employer Rights – Navigating the complexities of employee expression in the workplace. \n\nRestorative Justice in Workplace Misconduct – When to use discipline vs. alternative dispute resolution. \nThis conference features leading legal experts\, HR professionals\, and policymakers\, ensuring attendees receive actionable strategies and the most up-to-date legal interpretations. \nWho Should Attend?This event is designed for professionals across multiple industries\, including: \n\nHuman Resources Leaders – HR managers\, directors\, and disability management specialists navigating accommodations and compliance. \n\nEmployment & Labour Lawyers – Legal professionals seeking updates on human rights and workplace accommodation case law. \n\nUnion Representatives & Labour Relations Experts – Advocates ensuring fair treatment of employees in collective bargaining. \n\nCorporate Executives & Compliance Officers – Business leaders responsible for implementing workplace policies aligned with human rights law. \n\nGovernment & Public Sector Professionals – HR and legal representatives working in municipal\, provincial\, and federal agencies. \nKey Learning OutcomesBy attending this conference\, you will:\n✔ Understand the latest human rights law updates and their impact on workplace policies.\n✔ Gain best practices for accommodation requests related to disability\, religion\, and family status.\n✔ Develop strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace and preventing discrimination.\n✔ Learn from top legal and HR experts through engaging panel discussions and real-world case studies.\n✔ Network with industry peers and build valuable professional connections. \nConference Packages & Registration DetailsChoose from a range of flexible registration options: \n🎟 Two-Day Conference Pass – Access to all panels\, keynotes\, and networking events.\n📚 Conference + Materials Bundle – Includes all session recordings and presentation slides for post-event reference.\n🏆 Group Discounts Available – Save when registering multiple team members. \nWhy Choose Lancaster House? \nWith over 45 years of excellence in legal education\, Lancaster House is Canada’s leading provider of workplace law expertise. Our conferences are trusted by top HR professionals\, legal experts\, and industry leaders for their unparalleled depth\, practical insights\, and real-world applicability. \n🔹 Expert-Driven Content – Learn from Canada’s leading human rights and labour law specialists.\n🔹 Unmatched Networking Opportunities – Connect with decision-makers and industry peers.\n🔹 Practical\, Actionable Insights – Walk away with strategies you can implement immediately.\n🔹 Comprehensive Resource Materials – Access detailed case law summaries and best practice guides. \nReserve Your Spot Today! \nSecure your place at Canada’s most essential human rights and accommodation event. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and ensure workplace compliance in 2025 and beyond! \nThursday\, April 17\, 2025Breakfast: 8:00 am – 9:00 am PT \nOpening remarks: 9:00 am – 9:05 am PT \nPanel 1 - Keeping Current on Human Rights: The latest cases and legislative developments - 9:05 am – 10:20 am PT\n\n\n \nRichard Coleman\nArbitrator/Mediator \n\n\n \nJadine (Jay) Lannon\nUnion Counsel\nForte Law \n\n\n \nAndrea L. Zwack\nEmployer Counsel\nGall Legge Grant Zwack LLP \n\n\nIn this session\, panelists will delve into the numerous recent and significant developments in workplace human rights\, examining key cases and legislative changes. Speakers will discuss the latest cases on topics such as: \n\nidentifying and addressing stereotypes and/or bias;\nrights and restrictions relating to employee expression of personal or political views and beliefs at work;\ntrends in discipline\, damages\, and arbitration;\nprivacy\, monitoring\, and surveillance;\nremote work;\nsubstance use and testing;\nthe intersection between health and safety concerns and human rights obligations; and\nkey principles and best practices in investigating discrimination and harassment claims.\n\nThe panel will also address B.C. and federal legislative initiatives\, including reporting requirements under the B.C. Pay Transparency Act and obligations under the federal Pay Equity Act. \nFinal selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the conference\, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy developments. \nBreak: 10:20 am – 10:35 am PT \nPanel 2 - AI Through a Human Rights Lens: The potential uses and challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence at work - 10:35 am – 11:35 am PT\n\n\n \nPreston Parsons\nPartner\nOverholt LLP \n\n\n \nRachel Roy\nPartner\nRachel Roy Law \n\n\n \nWendy H. Wong\nProfessor and Principal’s Research Chair\nUniversity of British Columbia \n\n\nIn this session\, panelists will provide expert guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at work\, exploring the potential benefits and pitfalls of AI from a human rights perspective. Panelists will address questions such as: \n\nWhat federal and provincial laws regulate the use of AI? What legislative initiatives are currently the subject of debate and how may they impact workplace parties if passed? What other legal obligations and principles govern or restrict the use of AI at work?\nWhat key human rights considerations and privacy concerns are raised by the use of AI in the workplace? Does AI have the potential to reduce systemic discrimination and improve working conditions for equity-seeking employees?\nWhat human rights concerns are raised by the prospect of algorithmic management\, defined as delegating to algorithms certain managerial tasks such as screening applications for employment\, assessing employee performance\, or even making decisions regarding the termination of employment?\nWhat lessons can be learned from recent cases in which arbitrators and adjudicators have addressed privacy concerns relating to the use of other evolving technologies in the workplace\, such as biometric monitoring\, audio and video surveillance\, and GPS tracking?\nHow can parties address through collective bargaining the human rights and privacy impact resulting from the use of AI in workplaces?\nWhat steps can employers and unions take to mitigate the risk of bias\, discrimination\, or other breaches of human rights when using AI?\n\nBreak: 11:35 am – 11:45 am PT \nKeynote Speech by Kai Scott - Bridging the Divide – The Future of Gender Inclusion in the Workplace - 11:45 am – 12:15 pm PT\n\n\n \nKai Scott\nPresident\nTransFocus Consulting \n\n\nAs gender inclusion efforts in the workplace reach a critical juncture\, how do we move beyond division and toward solutions that benefit everyone—women\, men\, transgender\, and non-binary people alike? Drawing from nearly a decade of insights at TransFocus Consulting\, this keynote will explore the evolving landscape of workplace gender inclusion\, addressing both the progress made and the tensions that persist. \nAt a time when gender issues are increasingly polarized\, this session will focus on practical ways to foster connection across diverse gender experiences while meeting legal obligations and organizational goals. We’ll examine key lessons from the past decade\, emerging challenges\, and strategies for bridging gaps—whether in policy design\, workplace culture\, or leadership approaches. \nJoin Kai for a thought-provoking reflection on where we’ve been\, where we’re headed\, and how organizations can take meaningful\, sustainable steps toward gender inclusion that work for everyone. \nLunch: 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm PT \nPanel 3 - Free Speech and Human Rights at Work: Are they in conflict? Can they be reconciled? - 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm PT\n\n\n \nHasan Alam\nStaff Lawyer\nB.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) \n\n\n \nLeanne Monsma\nEmployer Counsel\nUniversity of British Columbia \n\n\n \nAmber Prince\nMember\nBC Human Rights Tribunal \n\n\nAs the political climate becomes increasingly polarized\, domestically and abroad\, employers must navigate how to cultivate a safe\, healthy\, and productive work environment while also respecting employees’ right to express their personal views. In this session\, panelists will explore how employers and unions should respond to the exercise of political speech in the workplace\, and in doing so will address the following questions: \n\nTo what extent\, if any\, can employers limit political expression in the workplace? How may this differ for public-sector employees?\nHow has the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal interpreted the meaning of “political belief”?\nWhen will the expression of political views rise to the threshold of discrimination and/or harassment?\nWhat kinds of policies and guidelines should an employer put in place to address politically-based conflict in the workplace? Where conflicts arise among employees\, with respect to charges of discrimination and harassment\, which member should the union represent?\nCan employers discipline employees for political expressions that are expressed outside of the workplace? For example\, can an employer discipline a member for offensive posts made on social media?\nWhen are unions required to represent members who experience discipline for political expression? What does the union’s duty of fair representation require in these circumstances?\n\nBreak: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm PT \nPanel 4 - Is it Discrimination? Or Isn’t It? An interactive panel seeks answers from actual case studies - 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm PT\n\n\n \nShirin Kiamanesh\nUnion Counsel\nKoskie Glavin Gordon \n\n\n \nTamisha Parris\nDiversity\, Equity\, Accessibility\, & Inclusion Consultant\nParris Consulting \n\n\n \nSalim Visram\nEmployer Counsel\nDentons \n\n\nIn this interactive session\, panelists will address scenarios based on real cases involving allegations of discrimination\, examining legal principles for identifying and addressing subtle and systemic forms of discrimination as well as meeting obligations such as the duty to accommodate. Panelists will address questions such as: \n\nHow have arbitrators and human rights tribunals resolved evidentiary and credibility challenges when determining whether discrimination has occurred?\nWhat contextual factors have decision-makers considered in determining whether conduct which may seem innocuous on its face is\, in fact\, a subtle form of discrimination?\nWhat factors should be considered in determining whether systemic discrimination has adversely impacted an employee?\nWhat aspects of a hiring or promotion process will render that process more or less vulnerable to challenge as discriminatory?\nHow does the test for discrimination differ depending on the ground of discrimination that is alleged? For example\, what unique considerations apply when determining whether an employee has been discriminated against on the basis of religion?\nWhen will a rule or standard that on its face appears to be discriminatory be justified as a bona fide occupational requirement? When will accommodating an employee amount to undue hardship?\nWhen will employers be held liable for the discriminatory conduct of employees toward other employees in the workplace?\n\nScenarios will be finalized in the weeks leading up to the conference\, ensuring coverage of the most relevant cases. \nClosing Remarks: 4:00 pm PT \nWednesday\, April 16\, 2025Workshop*Workshop sold separately from stand-alone conference. \nConducting Inclusive\, Barrier-Free Workplace Investigations: A practical\, hands-on workshop with the experts\n\n\n \nTonie Beharrell\nLawyer and Workplace Investigator\nSouther Butler Price LLP \n\n\n \nDr. Renée-Louise Franche Ph.D.\, R. Psych.\nConsultant in Mental Health and Work Ability Promotion \n\n\n \nSara Hanson\nUnion Counsel\nMoore Edgar Lyster LLP \n\n\n \nJessica Thomson\nEmployer Counsel\nPulver Crawford Munroe \n\n\nThe investigation process is an important tool for addressing harassment and discrimination in the workplace. However\, investigations may risk perpetuating harm if they are not conducted carefully. In this workshop\, a panel of experts will discuss how to run investigations in a manner that supports the well-being of all parties involved and benefits the workplace at large. Throughout this full day workshop the panel will address the following questions: \n\nWhat is trauma\, and how may it affect complainants before\, during\, and after the investigation process?\nWhy is it important that workplace investigators adopt trauma-informed\, anti-oppressive\, and intersectional approaches to the investigation process\, especially when dealing with discrimination and harassment allegations?\nWhat steps should investigators take to address their own unconscious and implicit biases during the investigation process?\nWhat do trauma-informed\, anti-oppressive\, and intersectional approaches to workplace investigations involve in practice? For example\, how can investigators conduct interviews in a trauma-informed manner? What steps can they take to address parties’ accessibility needs throughout the investigation process? How can they bring inclusivity into their report writing?\nWhat is systemic discrimination\, and how can investigators effectively address claims of systemic discrimination in the investigation process?\nWhat interim measures can employers put in place during the investigation process to ensure the well-being of the parties involved?\nWhat recourse can complainants seek if they disagree with the investigator’s findings?\n\nVancouver Human Rights and Accommodation ConferenceConference Co-Chairs\n\n \nCathy Knapp\nArbitrator and Mediator\nTribunal mediator\nBCHRT \n\n\n \nAndrew Schafer\nEmployer Counsel\nNorton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP \n\n\n \nLindsay Waddell\nUnion Counsel\nMoore Edgar Lyster LLP \n\n\nConference Advisory Committee\n\n \nMegan Ashbury\nArbitrator\, Mediator and Workplace Investigator \n\n\n \nMenachem Freedman\nUnion Counsel\nHHGB Lawyers \n\n\n \nDonovan Plomp\nEmployer Counsel\nMcCarthy Tetrault LLP \n\n\n \nKristen Woo\nLegal Counsel\nBC Public School Employers’ Association \n\n\n \nMatt Yun\nLegal and Legislative Representative\, CUPE \n\n\n \nLaura Track\nLaura Track\nHuman Rights Lawyer\nDirector\, Human Rights Clinic and Director\,\nPublic Legal Education\, Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) \n\n\nCPD Vancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference CPD\n\n\nThis program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\n\nThis program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nThis program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\n Vancouver Human Rights and Accommodation Conference Workshop CPD\n\n\nThis program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\n\nThis program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nThis program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.\n\n\n\nThe Hyatt Regency Vancouver - Discounted Room\nGroup rates are now available with limited space availability: \n\n\n\nCheck-in\nCheck-out\nGroup rate\n\n\nTuesday\, April 15\nSaturday\, April 19\n$295/night\n\n\n\nCut-Off Date \nReservations made by attendees must be received on or before Tuesday\, March 25\, 2025\, after which any reservations made will be based on a space-and rate-available basis. \nOnline reservations \nClick here to book online. \nPhone line reservations: 1-800-233-1234
URL:https://lancasterhouse.com/event/vancouver-human-rights-and-accommodation-conference-2025/
LOCATION:The Hyatt Regency Vancouver\, 655 Burrard Street.\, Vancouver\, B.C.\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Human Rights & Accommodation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lancasterhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vancouver-Human-Rights-and-Accommodation-Conference-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR