Public Sector Bargaining Conference
2026-12-02 | Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3M9 Most popular places at this add, Canada
Taking place in: Toronto, ON Overview
Lancaster House’s Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference will offer essential updates and analysis for union and management representatives, legal practitioners, and labour relations professionals.
To deepen your learning, don’t miss the interactive Skills Training Workshop, taking place at the same venue on on Wednesday, December 2. This full-day session will allow attendees to work through realistic scenarios with guidance and analysis from experienced panelists, offering practical tools and strategic insights to help you respond to evolving bargaining demands.

What to Expect
The day will begin with a networking breakfast, giving attendees the chance to connect with colleagues and peers before diving into the program. Throughout the conference, you’ll have multiple opportunities to engage with others in the field—during refreshment breaks, over lunch, and between sessions—making this not only a learning opportunity but a valuable space to exchange ideas, compare experiences, and build professional relationships.
Panelists will include leading voices from union, management, and neutral perspectives, with moderated discussions and interactive Q&A sessions to encourage dialogue and deeper insight.
All attendees will also receive a comprehensive digital resource package, including case summaries, textbook chapters, and legal commentary compiled by Lancaster House’s legal research lawyers.

Who Should Attend?
This conference is ideal for:

Union Negotiators – Connect with other union leaders and hear from top voices on strategies at the table.

Government Representatives and Human Resources (HR) Managers and Directors – Build bargaining approaches informed by the latest legal and economic developments while connecting with and hearing from union counterparts.

Industrial Relations Specialists and Labour Lawyers/Consultants – Stay up to date on the latest developments impacting public sector bargaining and evolving collective agreement language on complex and emerging workplace issues.

Learning Outcomes
By attending this conference, you will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of federal and economic and fiscal outlooks and the implications for labour relations, and how this may impact public sector bargaining.

Learn how to translate these economic realities into bargaining strategies and understand and communicate how the statistics may impact approaches at the table.

Keep informed on recent cases and legislative changes impacting bargaining, including the legality of government interventions in strike actions.

Engage with leading experts through interactive Q+A periods, enhancing your professional practice.

Network with peers across industries and across the table, building bridges and fostering collaborative approaches to bargaining challenges.

Sample Materials
Click the following link to see an excerpt from a previous year’s materials.

Click here to learn more about the associated Skills Training Workshop

Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Coming Soon.

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.

Changes and Notifications
All dates, prices, and locations are subject to change. Registrants will be notified of any changes to venues or dates. If you have any questions, please contact customerservice@lancasterhouse.com.

Pricing
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference

$1,455.00Add to cart

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference

$2,295.00Add to cart

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop

$2,355.00Add to cart

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop or Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop

$2,995.00Add to cart

Labour Arbitration and Policy ConferenceAttend Lancaster House’s Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference, taking place on December 3, 2026.
Tailored for labour relations professionals, lawyers, and consultants, as well as arbitrators and mediators, the event will feature engaging discussions on the latest caselaw and legislative updates and procedural tools and challenges. Connect with leading legal and labour relations professionals and build the knowledge and relationships essential for success in Eastern Canada’s legal landscape.

Featured Workshops
Attendees have the option to attend one of two featured workshops offered by Lancaster’s Centre for Labour Relations Training & Development, taking place at the same venue on December 4, 2026.
In these interactive, day-long workshops, participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises, learning practical tools and techniques that will prove invaluable in day-to-day work.
Check back soon for more details.
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop
Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Skills Training Workshop

Conference Co-Chairs

Matthew L.O. Certosimo
Employer Counsel
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Emily Home
Union Counsel
Ursel Phillips

Advisory Committee

Mike Biliski
Union Counsel
Koskie Minsky

Rita De Fazio
Union counsel
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP

Fridmar Facunda
Supervisor, Member Equity Unit
Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Lauri Green
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
Algoma University

CPD
Conference 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.

Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
2026-12-03
Taking place in: Toronto, ON
Overview
Lancaster House’s Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference will offer essential updates and analysis for union and management representatives, legal practitioners, and labour relations professionals.
To complement the main event, attendees are invited to participate in a full-day interactive workshop on December 4, 2026. This practical session will feature hands-on scenarios guided by experienced panelists, offering tailored feedback and strategies to strengthen your skills.

What to Expect
The day will begin with a networking breakfast, giving attendees the chance to connect with colleagues and peers before diving into the program. Throughout the conference, you’ll have multiple opportunities to engage with others in the field, making this not only a learning opportunity but a valuable space to exchange ideas, compare experiences, and build professional relationships.
Between sessions, during refreshment breaks and lunch, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers, share strategies, and engage directly with speakers and fellow attendees.
Participants will also receive a comprehensive digital resource package featuring case summaries, legal analysis, and curated materials for ongoing reference.

Who Should Attend?
The Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference is designed for professionals involved in managing, resolving, or advising on workplace disputes in unionized environments. This event offers critical insights and practical strategies for those who need to stay on top of legal developments, evolving policy issues, and best practices in arbitration.
This conference is ideal for:

Union representatives and labour advocates
Stay current on arbitration trends, case law, and legislative changes that impact the rights and responsibilities of workers and unions.

Employer representatives and HR professionals
Gain practical tools for managing grievances, navigating accommodation requests, and preparing for arbitration in a legally sound and efficient manner.

Labour and employment lawyers
Deepen your knowledge of recent decisions, procedural strategies, and emerging issues to better advise your clients and strengthen your advocacy.
Arbitrators and adjudicators
Engage with current legal and workplace issues from both union and management perspectives to inform your decision-making and stay attuned to sector developments

Learning Outcomes
By attending this conference, you will:

Enhance your understanding of key legal developments and legislative changes shaping labour arbitration and workplace policy in Canada.

Sharpen your skills in managing complex accommodation requests.

Strengthen your approaches with greater confidence and clarity.

Deepen your insight by hearing from union, management, and neutral perspectives on emerging trends and practical challenges in arbitration.

Improve your hearing preparation by integrating updated legal knowledge, case law, and procedural tools into your practice.
Grow your professional network by connecting with top arbitrators, legal experts, and fellow practitioners throughout the day

Sample Materials
Click the following link to see an excerpt from a previous year’s materials.

Click here to learn more about the associated Skills Training Workshop

Thursday, December 3, 2026
Coming Soon.

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.

Changes and Notifications
All dates, prices, and locations are subject to change. Registrants will be notified of any changes to venues or dates. If you have any questions, please contact customerservice@lancasterhouse.com.

Pricing
Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
$1,455.00Add to cart

Ontario Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
$2,295.00Add to cart

Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference + Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop
$2,355.00Add to cart

Ontario Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference + Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference + Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Skills Training Workshop or Ontario Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop
$2,995.00Add to cart

Ontario Public Sector Bargaining Conference
Attend Lancaster House’s Ontario Public Sector Bargaining Conference, taking place at the same venue on December 2, 2026.
The Ontario Public Sector Bargaining Conference brings together top union leaders, employer representatives, negotiators, HR professionals, legal experts, and government officials to examine the latest factors shaping public sector labour negotiations. Ideal for those gearing up for bargaining, the conference highlights recent legislative changes, wage settlements, and economic and arbitral trends. Sessions focus on proven bargaining strategies, effective dispute resolution techniques, and best practices tailored to Ontario and Canada’s labour relations environment. More than just an educational event, this conference offers meaningful networking opportunities with seasoned negotiators and industry experts. Equip yourself with practical knowledge and professional connections to navigate the complexities of public sector bargaining successfully.

Featured Workshops
Attendees have the option to attend one of two featured workshops offered by Lancaster’s Centre for Labour Relations Training & Development, taking place at the same venue on December 4, 2026.
In these interactive, day-long workshops, participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises, learning practical tools and techniques that will prove invaluable in day-to-day
Ontario Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Skills Training Workshop
Ontario Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Skills Training Workshop

Conference Co-Chairs

Heather Ann McConnell
Arbitrator/Mediator
Heather Ann McConnell Arbitrations

Brendan McCutchen
Union Counsel
Wright Henry LLP

Erin Porter
Employer Counsel
Founder and Partner
Protea LLP

Advisory Committee

Terry Downey
Union Representative
SEIU Local 1 Canada

Matt Hopkins
Executive Director People
TTC

Mae J. Nam
Union Counsel
Ryder Wright Holmes Bryden Nam LLP

Shane Todd
Employer counsel
Fasken

Tatiana Wacyk
Arbitrator/Mediator
Wacyk ADR Inc.

CPD
Conference 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.
