Lancaster House

Labour Relations Certificate - Fall 2025 (Virtual Program)
2025-10-09 12:30 - 2025-11-27 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
In association with:
Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a digital credential.
Program Leader

Daphne Taras
Professor Emerita
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Program Faculty
Coming Soon.

Program
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)

Who should attend?

Human resources professionals
Union officers and representatives
Lawyers
Managers
Mediators
Workplace investigators

2025 Fall Schedule†
The Fall 2025 session of the Labour Relations Certificate Program will comprise of 8 sessions over 8 weeks, and will take place on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET beginning October 9, 2025.

Sample Agenda

Video

CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Arbitrating AI in the Workplace: Real-world scenarios and legal strategies
2025-11-13 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
This session will provide employers and unions with the best available insight into grievances concerning AI and algorithmic management. Specific issues to be addressed include:

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Live Webinar

Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Can employers rely on management rights to justify the use of AI to evaluate employee performance and manage employees?
What arguments for and against the use of algorithmic management would arbitrators find most compelling?
What legal concerns are raised when an employer uses AI to assess candidates’ suitability for positions or to evaluate job applicants based on their internet activity?

Moderator

Kelly Williams-Witt
Arbitrator/Mediator
Dean, Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation
Professor of Labour Relations and Human Resources Management
Mount Royal University

Speakers

Megan Kheong
Partner
MLT Aikins

Riley Palmer
Partner
Watson Palmer Labour Lawyers

Accreditation
CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 1.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may count this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector and Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference 2025
2025-11-19 - 2025-11-21 | Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B5, Canada
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference
Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Introductory remarks: 9:00 am – 9:05 am

Panel 1 - Scanning the Economic Horizon: Expert insights into B.C.'s financial outlook - 9:05 am – 10:05 am

Alex Hemingway
Senior Economist and Public Finance
BC Society for Policy Solutions

Susan Mowbray
Partner
Economics and Research
MNP

What economic conditions will we face in 2026? In this forward-looking session, economists will examine 2026 economic and fiscal forecasts in B.C. and federally. Specifically, the panel will address:

Provincial and federal growth forecasts;
Inflation, interest rates, and cost-of-living expectations;
Employment and labour market conditions;
Provincial comparisons and impact of tariffs on trade with the United States; and
Economic priorities in 2026 B.C and federal budgets.

Break: 10:05 am – 10:20 am

Panel 2 - From Numbers to Negotiations: Translating economic forecasts into bargaining strategies - 10:20 am – 11:35 am

Norah Miner
Director of Bargaining
Health Sciences Association of BC (HSABC)

Mike Vizsolyi
Executive Director, Employee and Labour Relations
University of British Columbia (UBC)

Experienced negotiators will address challenges in the next round of bargaining in the broader public sector in light of British Columbia’s economic outlook. Specifically, the panelists will address the following questions:

What do recent communications from the Government of British Columbia tell us about the provincial government’s bargaining priorities for currently and for the year ahead?
What economic factors should employers and unions consider when determining bargaining priorities and drafting proposals? Is there anything unique to British Columbia’s current economic situation that negotiators need to pay particular attention to in bargaining?
How will the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs and the Canadian response impact bargaining? Will any other policies of the current U.S. administration affect bargaining in the broader public sector in Canada? Is the effect of these policies different in the broader public sector than in the private sector?
How will the current state of the economy affect the negotiation of wage increases? How will inflation and the increased cost of living affect bargaining in this area?
How important are non-monetary items for employers and unions when negotiating in the current economic climate? What are some examples of novel non-monetary items that unions are raising at the bargaining table?
How are the parties coping with freezes and layoffs as well as labour shortages in negotiations?

Break: 11:35 am – 11:50 am

Fireside Chat with Krista James - Meeting the Needs of our Intergenerational Workplaces - 11:50 am – 12:20 pm

Krista James
Policy Director and Senior Legal Counsel
Vancouver Coastal Health

Networking Lunch: 12:20 pm – 1:20 pm

Panel 3 - Coping with Current Legislation: Highlighting the top recent cases and legislative developments impacting bargaining in B.C. and nationwide - 1:20 pm – 2:30 pm

Jeremy Bryant
Union Counsel
Banister & Company

Tamara Ramusovic
Union Counsel
Moore Edgar Lyster LLP

Delayne Sartison
Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell LLP

Jessica Thomson
Employer Counsel
Pulver Crawford Munroe

In this session, panelists will examine the latest decisions, legislative changes, and other key developments impacting bargaining in the public sector. The session and materials will delve into topics including:

the legality of recent federal government interventions pausing or prohibiting strikes in the railway, ports, postal, education, airline, and other sectors;

recent labour board decisions addressing issues such as secondary picketing, unfair labour practices and the duty to bargain in good faith, and the use of out-of-province workers to perform struck work;
the impact of recent interest arbitration decisions addressing inflation, staffing and retention, and changing social, political, and economic conditions;
the effect of recent grievance arbitration awards, including cases addressing discriminatory collective agreement language, the use of hiring incentives, and the application of the Charter to B.C. employers in the broader public sector; and
navigating potential conflicts between collective agreement language and changing requirements in employment standards legislation; and
aftermath of the Quebec Casinos

The session will also address key legislative and policy updates, including:

the latest developments in the ongoing review of the B.C. Labour Relations Code;
measures introduced by the federal and B.C. government to avoid or cushion the impacts of ongoing trade conflict;
legislation in Quebec expanding government power to restrict or end strikes and lock-outs and refer certain labour disputes to interest arbitration; and
legislation restricting the use of strike replacement workers passed federally and in Manitoba.

Final topics will be selected in the weeks prior to the conference to ensure coverage of the latest and most important developments in a rapidly changing legal and political landscape.
Break: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Panel 4 - Bargaining Emerging Issues: Climate change, disaster leaves, gig and remote work, new leaves and innovative benefits, new technologies, generational differences and more - 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Chris Beneteau
Executive Director, Labour Relations
BC Public School Employers’ Association

Erin Cutler
Senior Legal Director and General Counsel
Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC)

Richard Tones
Director of Negotiations
BC General Employees Union (BCGEU)

Thom Yachnin
Union Counsel
Victory Square Law Office

The future of work is here – is your collective agreement ready? Join this dynamic session to explore how technology, current events, and evolving societal and workplace expectations are driving the need for modernization. Topics to be addressed include:

The impact of artificial intelligence (“AI”) on employee hiring and management;
New technologies related to surveillance and monitoring of employees;
Remote work, flexible work arrangements, and gig work;
Mental health, staffing levels, and workload;
Workplace violence;
Emerging leave and benefit provisions;
Climate change and disaster preparedness;
Equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
Generational differences in workplace and bargaining priorities.

Topics will be finalized in the weeks prior to the conference, ensuring coverage of the latest and most pressing issues.
Closing Remarks: 4:00 pm

RegisterFriday, November 21, 2025
Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Introductory remarks: 9:00 am – 9:05 am

Panel 1 - From Hearings to Headlines: Key developments in cases and legislation - 9:05 am – 10:20 am

Valerie Dixon
Legal Counsel – Labour, Employment and Human Rights
City of Vancouver

Jitesh Mistry
Labour Arbitrator and Mediator
Mistry ADR

Erica Sandhu
Union Counsel
Hastings Labour Law Office

In this session, panelists will examine recent significant developments in federal and provincial labour law, exploring emerging trends in a changing world of work. Panelists will address the latest decisions on topics including:
Caselaw:

Government intervention in recent collective bargaining disputes including issues of freedom of association under the Charter
Remedies for breach of employment standards

class actions
arbitration agreements
Supreme Court hearing on Quebec’s secular dress code
upcoming changes

Termination

discharge and discipline
sexual harassment

Labour Board decisions

unfair labour practices
good faith bargaining
remedial certification

Workplace rights and responsibilities

privacy issues
drug and alcohol testing
workplace investigations

discrimination and accommodation
harassment and retaliation

Legislation: The B.C. Labour Relations Code Review Panel report on recommended amendments;
legislation dealing dealing with federal supply chain transparency;
New restrictions on the use of strike replacement workers in federally regulated industries; and
Quebec legislation ensuring parties’ role in arbitrator selection and expansion of government powers to pause or prohibit strikes.

Final selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the conference, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy developments in a shifting economic and political landscape.
Break: 10:20 am – 10:35 am

Keynote by Stephen Kelleher - Perspectives of a Supreme Court Judge returning to Labour Arbitration and Mediation - 10:35 am – 11:05 am

Stephen Kelleher, K.C.
Arbitrator and Mediator

Arbitrator Kelleher will discuss how labour arbitration has evolved from its original purpose and how it has continued to change with the times. He will compare and contrast litigation in court and labour arbitration. Finally, he will ask whether some court procedures should be considered for the labour arbitration context.Break: 11:05 am – 11:20 am

Panel 2 - Hidden Needs, Hard Questions: Navigating complex workplace accommodations - 11:20 am – 12:30 pm

Brad Cocke
Employer counsel
Cooperwilliams Truman & Ito LLP

Jodie Gauthier
Union Counsel
Black Burke Mayor

Lesley Maisey
Occupational Health Nurse
Specialist For Disability Case Management
Sharezen Group

As workplaces reopen, accommodation requests are becoming more varied and complex. This panel will address health-related accommodations in the context of return-to-work mandates. Specifically, the following questions will be addressed:

What are common medical conditions that elude diagnosis, or that are considered “diagnoses of exclusion”? How do the stereotypes and stigma associated with these conditions contribute to the challenge of providing accommodation?
What are best practices for drafting initial and follow-up letters to medical professionals? Are employers or unions entitled to communicate directly with an employee’s medical professional?
How should employers and unions handle medical information that is based solely or largely on an employee’s subjective self-reporting of symptoms? Does the analysis differ for mental health disabilities where diagnoses are largely based on self-reported information?
When will it be appropriate for an employer to request an Independent Medical Examination (“IME”)? What if an employee is in a safety-sensitive position or the safety of other employees may be at risk? What is the union’s role in this process?
Can an employee insist on remote work as a form of health-related accommodation? Does an employee’s susceptibility to contracting an illness at the workplace warrant accommodation? Will an employee be entitled to work from home during pregnancy? What is the type and scope of medical information that is required to support these requests?
Does an employer have a duty to accommodate an employee’s commute to work where the employee has a disability? If so, what is considered reasonable accommodation?
How should collective agreements and workplace policies be updated to comply with British Columbia’s new restrictions on sick notes for short-term absences? How do these restrictions affect other responsibilities, such as the duty to accommodate?

Networking Lunch: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Fireside chat - AI and the Labour Relations Problem-Solver: Building Towards Your Irreplaceable Edge - 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Carolyn Janusz
Union Counsel
Goodwin Law

John McConchie
Arbitrator and Mediator

Break: 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Panel 3 - Pre-hearing Primer: Handling procedural delays, preliminary objections, requests for particulars, and more - 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm

Julia Bell
Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell LLP

Will Clements
Union Counsel
Koskie Glavin Gordon

Ryan Goldvine
Mediator and Arbitrator
Goldvine Dispute Resolution Services
Part-Time Member
BC Employment Standards Tribunal

Effective pre-hearing procedures are critical to the smooth and timely resolution of labour arbitration cases. This panel will offer practical insights on minimizing delays, leveraging emerging technologies, managing preliminary objections, and responding to requests for particulars and production. Panelists will share strategies for addressing common procedural challenges and ensuring hearings proceed efficiently. Specifically, panelists will address:
Delay:

What are the most common pre-hearing bottlenecks and how can they be avoided?
When does delay cross the line into abuse of process? What remedies (such as costs or adjournments) are available?

New Formats:

How do virtual and hybrid formats contribute to pre-hearing efficiency, and what procedural or practical challenges might they create?

Does any guidance exist on permissible uses of Generative AI in pre-hearing stages (g. for document review, timeline automation, etcetera)?

Request for Particulars:

What are best practices for responding to and drafting effective requests for particulars?

What types of statements, information, or documents are protected by privilege, confidentiality agreements, or privacy laws?

Preliminary Objections:

What are the most common types of preliminary objections (e.g. jurisdiction, timeliness, standing), and when should they be raised?

Should parties always raise preliminary objections early, or are there risks in doing so prematurely?

Evidence:

How do arbitrators deal with attempts to introduce evidence regarding exchanges during negotiations, estoppel notices, counterproposals in bargaining, etcetera?

General:

As prehearing processes grow more complex with expanded preliminary issues and interim orders, are they strengthening procedural fairness or complicating efficiency and proportionality?

Closing remarks: 3:45 pm – 4:00 pm

RegisterRegister Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Workshop$1,395.00Add to cart

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

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

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference & Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference – Bundle$2,995.00Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Wednesday, November 19, 2025Workshops
(The schedule will run concurrently for all workshops)

Bargaining In The Broader Public Sector Conference Workshop
Bargaining for Change: Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the table

Hasan Alam
Staff LawyerBC Government and Service Employees’ Union(BCGEU)

Natasha Aruliah
ConsultantJEDDI (Justice, Equity, Decolonising, Diversity and Inclusion) Specialist

Carolyn MacEachern
Employer CounselYoung Anderson

Shelina Neallani
Lawyer, Mediator, and Workplace Assessor

Special opening session led by:

Emily Ohler
Chair British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn legal principles and best practices in negotiating and drafting collective agreements that meet human rights obligations and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (“EDI”).
Participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises, learning how to apply an EDI lens to bargaining from start to finish. Attendees will learn how to:

Prepare to address EDI effectively in bargaining by evaluating areas for improvement and identifying key issues to be addressed at the table;
Review collective agreements for problematic language and update commonly-used but exclusionary terminology;
Apply lessons learned from recent arbitration decisions in which collective agreement language was proved to be discriminatory;
Craft new collective agreement clauses to remove barriers and promote EDI, incorporating emerging language addressing topics such as cultural and religious diversity, anti-racism, decolonization and Indigenization, disability and mental health, and gender equity and diversity; and
Navigate potential conflicts between language aimed at promoting EDI and other collective agreement rights, such as seniority provisions.

All participants also receive a comprehensive set of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional resources compiled by Lancaster House program lawyers for continued learning and reference.
Labour Arbitration And Policy Conference Workshop
Honing Your Grievance and Arbitration Skills: Tools and tactics for success

Susanna Allevato Quail
Counsel
Allevato Quail & Associates

Mike Hamata
Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell

Gabriel Somjen
Arbitrator and Mediator

Build your skills in grievance handling and arbitration advocacy through this interactive workshop. Speakers will bring deep insight into the real-world dynamics of grievance resolution, explore how to build a persuasive case, and discuss what matters most in the hearing room.
Through a facilitated discussion and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to:

Assess the merits of a grievance and progress through key steps in the grievance process in accordance with collective agreement requirements;
Work with grievors who may present as “difficult to work with,” recognizing underlying disabilities, trauma, and other factors which may be impacting communication;
Identify when settlement or mediation is appropriate;
Recognize when a matter is unlikely to settle, assess the appropriate forum, and determine when arbitration is necessary;
Prepare for arbitration and make the most of pre-hearing processes, laying the groundwork to succeed at the hearing;
Navigate key rules of evidence, ensuring a case is presented in full and countering efforts by opposing parties to introduce out-of-bounds evidence; and
Advocate effectively in the hearing, advancing the interests of your member, organization, or client.

Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and engage with other participants. All other participants also receive a comprehensive set of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional resources compiled by Lancaster House program lawyers for continued learning and reference.
Register Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

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

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference & Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference – Bundle (Conference + Workshop)$2,995.00Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector ConferenceConference Co-chairs

Leanne Bowes
Chief Executive Officer
Post-Secondary Employers’ Association

Elisabeth Finney
Union Counsel
Black Burke Mayor

Conference Advisory Committee

Jeremy Bryant
Union Counsel
Banister & Company

Andrea Mears
Labour Relations Officer Professional Employees Association

Alissa Perry
Director, Employee Relations
BC Public School Employers’ Association

Paul Reniers
Divison Manager, Collective Bargaining
Metro Vancouver

Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
Conference Co-chairs

Carolyn Janusz
Union Counsel
Goodwin Law

James Kondopulos
Employer Counsel
Roper Greyell LLP

John McConchie
Arbitrator/Mediator

Conference Advisory Committee

Gretchen Brown
Union Counsel
British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF)

Stephanie Mayor
Union Counsel
Black Burke Mayor

Carolynn Ryan
Senior VP People & Chief Human Resources Officer
BC Hydro

Marino Sveinson
Employer Counsel
Pulver Crawford Munroe

CPD
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Vancouver Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Pre-Conference Workshop CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Vancouver Labour Arbitration And Policy Pre-Conference Workshop CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Register

Effective Grievance Handling and Arbitration Advocacy: Intensive training for employers and unions
2025-11-25 13:30 - 2025-12-04 17:00 (America/St_Johns) | Virtual Event
4 half-day sessions over 2 weeks – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. NT each day
Program DetailsEmployer and union representatives should cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to resolve grievances early, before expensive and unpredictable arbitration is necessary. But, not every grievance can be settled without arbitration. When arbitration is necessary, both employer and union representatives need to be able to effectively mount a successful grievance arbitration case or to give maximum assistance to counsel.
Over the course of this workshop, experienced employer and union advocates, joined by an arbitrator on day two, will lead participants in discussion of strategies for settling grievances before arbitration and explain how to win cases at arbitration when necessary.
Working through a realistic grievance with the guidance of experts, participants will learn to:

Prepare effectively for formal grievance meetings;
Determine which grievances should go to arbitration;
Identify key issues, strengths, and weaknesses of a grievance;
Address preliminary issues, such as timeliness;
Obtain and provide appropriate disclosure;
Prepare, examine, and cross-examine witnesses;
Make persuasive opening and closing statements.

This virtual program is taking place in partnership with the Gardiner Centre at Memorial University of Newfoundland. $1,895.00Add to cart

Facilitator

Chantelle MacDonald Newhook, KC, Q. Arb.
Arbitrator, Mediator, Workplace Investigator
Dispute Winners
Vice-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board

Speakers

Alan McCallum

Jeff Sanders

CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 12 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 12 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved for 12 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 12 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 12 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may count this program for 12 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 12 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Lancaster’s Workplace Essentials: Outsourcing, layoff, recall, severance and other key issues in restructuring
2025-11-27 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
In today’s turbulent sociopolitical and economic climate, it is critical for employers and unions to have a firm grasp of foundational principles regarding workplace reorganizations. In this installment of Lancaster’s Workplace Essentials webinar series, panelists will address key issues regarding restructuring, including:

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What is meant by the terms “contracting out” and “contracting in”? What factors will an arbitrator consider in determining whether outsourcing constitutes a genuine, “contracting out”?
Can employers reassign duties to supervisors or employees outside the bargaining unit as part of restructuring? Can they reassign duties formerly performed by full-time employees to part-time employees?
Will a unilateral reduction in working hours or changes to an employee’s shift times, position, job classification, or job location constitute a lay-off? Can management unilaterally schedule vacation to achieve a temporary shut-down without engaging lay-off provisions?
How does collective agreement language impact the order in which employees must be laid off and their recall rights? What is “bumping up” and “bumping down” and when will either be permissible?
When will a “lay-off” in fact amount to termination of employment?
How will employees’ entitlements on termination change when they are let go as part of a large-scale restructuring? How do employer obligations, and union rights, differ when a restructuring is due to technological change as opposed to economic reasons?
When will a merger, amalgamation, sale, or transfer of all or part of a business result in the new or acquiring entity being considered a successor or related employer?
Must employers disclose plans to restructure during collective bargaining?
What measures do parties seek to negotiate in collective agreements when restructuring occurs?
What remedies can unions or employees seek when employers fail to adhere to their collective agreement or statutory obligations with respect to restructuring? How does insolvency or a declaration of bankruptcy impact employers’ liability and union and employee rights?
What legislative changes and government programs have recently been introduced to avoid or cushion the impacts of large-scale downsizing or loss of employment through restructuring?

Moderator

Jitesh Mistry
Labour Arbitrator/Mediator
Mistry ADR

Speakers

Jeffrey Stewart
Employer counsel
Sherrard Kuzz

Julia Williams
Lawyer
Ravenlaw LLP

Accreditation
CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 1.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may count this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

EDI Policies: Assessing the impact of U.S. developments on Canadian law and practice
2025-12-02 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
The panel will examine how Canadian firms can handle changing practices in the U.S. assess legal and reputational risks of altering EDI commitments, and identify strategies to advance equity amid shifting legal and political climates. Specifically, the panel will discuss:

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How are U.S. political and legal developments around EDI influencing Canadian law firm approaches to EDI? What should workplace leaders be paying attention to as they monitor developments?
To what extent could offering EDI initiatives conflict with provincial law society mandates on EDI education, human rights, and rules of professional responsibility?
Are rollbacks of EDI permissible under Canadian human rights and employment equity legislation? How might legislative and Charter provisions permitting “special programs” impact that analysis?
If a firm discontinues a specific EDI initiative, what steps should it take to ensure continued alignment with its values, avoid reputational harm, and protect the well-being of employees?
What practical strategies can Canadian firms adopt to maintain EDI integrity while navigating cross-border business pressures and polarized public discourse?
In a shifting regulatory environment, what steps can workplaces take to uphold EDI values in hiring, client relationships, and firm culture?

Moderator

Laila Said Alam
Tribunal MemberBritish Columbia Human Rights Tribunal

Speakers

Connie Cheung
Employer Counsel
Sherrard Kuzz LLP

Mary Rolf
Union Counsel
Pink Larkin

AccreditationCPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 1.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.
LSO EDI Professionalism: 1 hour(s) and 30 minutes(s)
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may consider counting this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Intensive Mediation Workshop
2025-12-04 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
In association with:Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a digital credential from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Daphne Taras
Professor and DirectorCentre for Labour-Management RelationsToronto Metropolitan University

Program Leader

Paula Knopf
Arbitration/Mediator

Program Faculty

Daphne Taras
Professor and Director
Centre for Labour-Management Relations
Toronto Metropolitan University

This intensive professional learning program is designed to develop the advanced dispute resolution skills that labour relations professionals need in order to be successful in their roles.
Participants will have the opportunity to observe dispute resolution techniques used by experienced professional mediators — and to use those techniques as they attempt to resolve a workplace dispute. To make the simulation as realistic as possible, actors will play the role of the aggrieved party.
Aimed at labour relations professionals with basic to intermediate knowledge of mediation and workplace dispute resolution techniques, this session aims not to create professional mediators but to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to:

Defuse tensions and manage workplace conflict
Resolve grievances without resorting to lengthy and expensive arbitration processes
Make effective use of informal and formal mediation as a management or union representative

Who is this program designed for?

Graduates of the Lancaster House–Toronto Metropolitan University Labour Relations Certificate Program
Labour relations professionals with 3 or more years of experience working full-time for an employer or a union, including:

Human resources professionals
Labour relations officers
Local union leadership
Managers
Union staff

Labour and employment lawyers in their first 5 years of practice

To ensure interactivity as well as opportunities for skill-building and personalized feedback, spaces in this program are extremely limited. We hope you’ll join us.
CPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 6.5 substantive hours; 0 professionalism hours.
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may consider counting this program for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 6.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

Toronto Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector and Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference 2025
2025-12-08 - 2025-12-10 | Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2L2, Canada
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference
Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Introductory Remarks: 9:00 am – 9:05 am

Panel 1 - Scanning the Economic Horizon: Expert insights into Ontario’s financial outlook - 9:05 am – 10:05 am

Rafael Gomez
Professor
Director of the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources

Doug Porter
Chief Economist and Managing Director, Economics
BMO

What economic conditions will we face in 2026? In this forward-looking session, economists will examine 2026 economic and fiscal forecasts in Ontario and federally. Specifically, the panel will address:

Provincial and federal growth forecasts;
Inflation, interest rates, and cost-of-living expectations;
Employment and labour market conditions;
Provincial comparisons and impact of tariffs on trade with the United States; and
Economic priorities in 2026 Ontario and federal budgets.

Break: 10:05 am – 10:20 am

Panel 2 - From Numbers to Negotiations: Translating economic forecasts into bargaining strategies - 10:20 am – 11:25 am

Robert Bass
Principal
Bass Associates

Kat Leonard
National Representative
Unifor

Experienced negotiators will address challenges in the next round of bargaining in the broader public sector in light of Ontario’s economic outlook. Specifically, the panelists will address the following questions:

What do recent communications from the Government of Ontario tell us about the provincial government’s bargaining priorities for currently and for the year ahead?
What economic factors should employers and unions consider when determining bargaining priorities and drafting proposals? Is there anything unique to Ontario’s current economic situation that negotiators need to pay particular attention to in bargaining?
How will the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs and the Canadian response impact bargaining? Will any other policies of the current U.S. administration affect bargaining in the broader public sector in Canada? Is the effect of these policies different in the broader public sector than in the private sector?
How will the current state of the economy affect the negotiation of wage increases? How will inflation and the increased cost of living affect bargaining in this area?
How important are non-monetary items for employers and unions when negotiating in the current economic climate? What are some examples of novel non-monetary items that unions are raising at the bargaining table?
How are the parties coping with freezes and layoffs as well as labour shortages in negotiations?

Break: 11:25 am – 11:40 am

Fireside Chat - Using AI in Bargaining - 11:40 am – 12:20 pm

Nicole Gauthier
Executive Officer and Chief Negotiator
OSSTF Toronto

Al Hounsell
National Director of AI, Innovation & Knowledge
Gowling WLG

Alison Warrian
Senior Manager, Labour Relations, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association

Coming Soon.
Networking Lunch: 12:20 pm – 1:20 pm

Panel 3 - Coping with Current Legislation: Highlighting the top recent cases and legislative developments impacting bargaining in Ontario - 1:20 pm – 2:30 pm

Carla Black
Employer Counsel
Rae Christen Jeffries LLP

Michael McFadden
Arbitrator and Mediator
Vice-chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Lauren Pearce
Union Counsel
Jones Pearce

In this session, panelists will examine the latest decisions, legislative changes, and other key developments impacting bargaining in the public sector. The session and materials will delve into topics including:

the legality of recent government interventions pausing or prohibiting strikes in the railway, ports, postal, education, airline, and other sectors;
trends in recent labour board and court decisions addressing issues such as secondary picketing, unfair labour practices, and the duty to bargain in good faith;
the impact of recent interest arbitration decisions addressing inflation, staffing and retention, and changing social, political, and economic conditions; and
the effect of recent grievance arbitration awards, including cases addressing collective agreement interpretation, discriminatory contract language, and contracting in/out.

The session will also address key legislative and policy developments, including:

the latest changes introduced through the Working for Workers series of legislation, including new and amended leave provisions, restrictions on requesting medical notes from employees in support of sick leave, the incorporation of remote work into legislative harassment provisions, and new extended layoff provisions;
legislation in Quebec expanding government power to restrict or end strikes and lock-outs and refer certain labour disputes to interest arbitration; and
legislation restricting the use of strike replacement workers passed federally and in Manitoba.

Final topics will be selected in the weeks prior to the conference to ensure coverage of the latest and most important developments in a rapidly changing legal and political landscape.
Break: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Panel 4 - Bargaining Emerging Issues: AI, gig and remote work, new leaves and innovative benefits, modern technologies, aging workforces, and more - 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Matt Hopkins
Executive Director People
Toronto Transit Commission

Sundeep Gokhale
Employer Counsel
Sherrard Kuzz

Kirsty Niglas-Collins
Union counsel
Collins & Metcalfe LLP

Cynthia Watt
Vice President
AMAPCEO

The future of work is here – is your collective agreement ready? Join this dynamic session to explore how technology, current events, and evolving societal, political, and workplace expectations are driving the need for modernization. Topics to be addressed include:

The impact of artificial intelligence (“AI”) on employee hiring and management;
New technologies related to surveillance and monitoring of employees;
Remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements and back-to-work mandates;
Mental health, staffing levels, and workload;
Workplace violence;
Emerging leave and benefit provisions;
Equity, diversity, and inclusion;
Job security and workplace restructuring, contracting in/out, and assignment of bargaining unit work; and
Generational differences in workplace and bargaining priorities.

Topics will be finalized in the weeks prior to the conference, ensuring coverage of the latest and most pressing issues.
Closing Remarks: 4:00 pm

RegisterWednesday, December 10, 2025
Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Introductory Remarks: 9:00 am – 9:05 am

Panel 1 - From Hearings to Headlines: Key developments in cases and legislation - 9:05 am – 10:20 am

Tyler Boggs
Union Counsel
Cavalluzzo LLP

Mort Mitchnick
Arbitrator/Mediator

Erin Porter
Employer Counsel
Fasken

In this session, panelists will examine recent significant developments in federal and provincial labour law, exploring emerging trends in a changing world of work. Panelists will address the latest decisions on topics including:
Caselaw:

Government intervention in recent collective bargaining disputes including issues of freedom of association under the Charter
Remedies for breach of employment standards

class actions
Supreme Court hearing on Quebec’s secular dress code
upcoming changes

Termination

discharge and discipline
sexual harassment

Workplace rights and responsibilities

privacy issues
drug and alcohol testing
workplace investigations

discrimination and accommodation
harassment and retaliation
Legislation: The B.C. Labour Relations Code Review Panel report on recommended amendments;
legislation dealing with federal supply chain transparency;
New restrictions on the use of strike replacement workers in federally regulated industries; and
Quebec legislation ensuring parties’ role in arbitrator selection and expansion of government powers to pause or prohibit strikes.

Final selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the conference, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy developments in a shifting economic and political landscape.
Break: 10:20 am – 10:35 am

Panel 2 - Mental Health and Medical Privacy at Arbitration: Disclosure obligations, WSIB claims, reasonable and customary limits, and more - 10:35 am – 11:45 am

Shiran Brener
Counsel
Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat

Brendan McCutchen
Union Counsel
Wright Henry LLP

Dr. Michael Schweigert
Occupational Medicine Specialist

Balancing an employer’s duty to accommodate and the privacy rights of employees is a growing challenge. This panel will explore the complex intersection of mental health disabilities, medical information, and limits on disclosure. Experts will examine recent decisions and offer practical guidance on preparing and presenting cases while protecting an employee’s sensitive personal health information. Specifically, the panel will address:

What are the unique privacy concerns associated with employers requesting medical information related to mental health disabilities? How can employers and unions safeguard an employee’s medical information to ensure only the relevant individuals have access? Can an employee’s medical information received for the purpose of one proceeding be used in another (e.g. an employer using medical information from the WSIB claim file at arbitration)?
What are best practices for drafting initial and follow-up letters to medical professionals regarding an employee’s mental health disability? Are employers or unions entitled to communicate directly with an employee’s medical professional?
Is an employer ever entitled to an employee’s diagnosis? What about at the arbitration stage?
What are some examples of requests for medical information that arbitrators or adjudicators have found to be discriminatory? Can an employer be held liable for the unlawful actions of a benefits provider?
In what circumstances have arbitrators determined that expenses being limited to reasonable and customary limits violates a collective agreement? Is the analysis different for psychological benefits claims?
How should employers and unions handle medical information that is based solely or largely on an employee’s subjective self-reporting of symptoms? Does the analysis differ for mental health disabilities where diagnoses are largely based on self-reported information?
What is the difference between inquiring about health conditions and restrictions on job duties?
When will it be appropriate for an employer to request a psychiatric or psychological Independent Medical Examination (“IME”)? What if an employee is in a safety-sensitive position or the safety of other employees may be at risk? What is the union’s role in this process?
How should employers and unions approach an employee that has difficulty providing medical information due to a possible or confirmed mental health disability? What if an employee has difficulty accessing a medical professional due to, for example, long wait lists?

Networking Lunch: 11:45 am – 12:45 pm

Keynote - Beyond the Evidence: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Arbitration and Grievances - 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm

Brian Knowler
Founder and Principal Coach, Leadership and Resilience Strategies
Knowler Consulting – The Change Co

Arbitration and grievance processes are designed to resolve disputes, but too often they overlook the human impact of trauma on those involved. Drawing on lived experience as both a lawyer and a police officer, Brian Knowler will explore how trauma can shape testimony, credibility, and workplace dynamics in ways that the traditional process may miss. This keynote will highlight how trauma-informed approaches help arbitrators, counsel, and workplace parties move beyond procedural outcomes to foster fairness, dignity, and resilience. Attendees will learn practical ways to recognize signs of trauma, adapt questioning and process design, and reduce re-traumatization in hearings. By connecting trauma awareness to pressing issues like mental health disclosure, return-to-work accommodations, and technology-driven surveillance, Brian will show how integrating a trauma-informed lens strengthens both justice and workplace relationships.Break: 1:15 pm – 1:30 pm

Panel 3 - Emerging Accommodation Issues: Return-to-work mandates and alternate work arrangements, family status and religious accommodations, and more - 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Natasha Zervoudakis
Employer counsel
Sherrard Kuzz

David Wright
Union Counsel
Ryder Wright Blair & Holmes

Over five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers and unions continue to grapple with issues related to remote, hybrid, and in-person work. In this session, experts will provide insight into issues currently facing an employee’s return to the office. Specifically, the following questions will be addressed:

As a matter of law, do employers have the unfettered right to require employees to return to in-person work on a schedule determined by the employer? If there are limits on that right, what are they? How do workplace policies and collective agreement language affect the matter?
Can an employee insist on remote work as a form of health-related accommodation? Does an employee’s susceptibility to contracting an illness at the workplace warrant accommodation? Will an employee be entitled to work from home during pregnancy?
Does an employer have a duty to accommodate an employee’s commute to work where the employee has a disability? If so, what is considered reasonable accommodation?
In what circumstances have decision-makers found that employees should be permitted to work from home, on a full-time or part-time basis, in order to accommodate obligations related to family status, such as childcare or eldercare responsibilities?
What kinds of information can employers require to support a request related to family status? How can employers and unions distinguish an employee’s personal preferences from legitimate accommodation needs?
How have decision-makers determined whether employers have accommodated employees to the point of undue hardship in recent COVID-19 vaccination refusal decisions? More broadly, what lessons can employers and unions learn from these decisions as it relates to discrimination on the basis of religion or creed and the duty to accommodate?
What aspects of work-from-home or hybrid work arrangements should be specifically addressed in policies or collective agreement provisions? What best practices should employers and unions implement to ensure they meet the duty to accommodate?

Break: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Panel 4 - Social Media, Surveillance, and AI-Driven Management Decisions: An interactive, scenario-based session on uses and abuses of modern technology - 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Michael McCreary
Arbitrator and Mediator
Michael McCreary Arbitration Mediation

Melissa Mustafa
Employer Counsel
Lakhani Campea LLP

Katie Rowen
Union Counsel
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson

This interactive session will provide employers and unions with the best available insights into AI-driven management decisions, monitoring and surveillance tools, and employee social media use. Experienced management and union counsel will join an arbitrator to examine three hypothetical scenarios, exploring legal principles and best practices when addressing the use of modern technologies both at work and off-duty.
Specific issues to be addressed include:

In what circumstances can an employer dismiss an employee for inappropriate social media posts? Where is the line drawn between free speech and offensive speech justifying discipline?
What arguments have arbitrators accepted or rejected regarding the use of employee surveillance and monitoring tools? How have arbitrators resolved conflicts between an employer’s interest in ensuring productivity through such tools and employees’ right to privacy?
What is the current role of AI-driven tools in management decision-making, and how is that role expected to evolve in the future?
What legal concerns arise when an employer uses AI to assess candidates’ suitability for positions?
What arguments for and against the use of algorithmic management will arbitrators find most compelling?
How are employers and unions addressing the use of algorithmic management in collective agreements?

Closing Remarks: 4:00 pm

Register
Toronto Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Toronto Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

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

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference & Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference – Bundle (Conference + Workshop)
$2,995.00Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Monday, December 8, 2025
Workshops*Workshops sold separately from stand-alone conference.
Workshop schedule: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm ET (The schedule will run concurrently for all three workshops until 4:00 pm.)
Additional Details: 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. Our Networking Lunch is from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. 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.

Bargaining In The Broader Public Sector Conference Workshop
Bargaining for Change: Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the table

Natasha Abraham
Union counsel
Cavalluzzo LLP

Maureen Doyle
Arbitrator and Mediator
Maureen Doyle Dispute Resolution Services

Nora Hindy
Director
Centre for Global Citizenship Education
Centennial College
Member Board of Directors
Urban Alliance on Race Relations

Lennie Lejasisaks
Employer counsel
Fasken

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn legal principles and best practices in negotiating and drafting collective agreements that meet human rights obligations and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (“EDI”).
Participants will hear from leading experts and work in small groups on skill-building exercises, learning how to apply an EDI lens to bargaining from start to finish. Attendees will learn how to:

Prepare to address EDI effectively in bargaining by evaluating areas for improvement and identifying key issues to be addressed at the table;
Review collective agreements for problematic language and update commonly-used but exclusionary terminology;
Apply lessons learned from recent arbitration decisions in which collective agreement language was proved to be discriminatory;
Craft new collective agreement clauses to remove barriers and promote EDI, incorporating emerging language addressing topics such as cultural and religious diversity, anti-racism, decolonization and Indigenization, disability and mental health, and gender equity and diversity; and
Navigate potential conflicts between language aimed at promoting EDI and other collective agreement rights, such as seniority provisions.

All participants also receive a comprehensive set of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional resources compiled by Lancaster House program lawyers for continued learning and reference.
Labour Arbitration And Policy Conference Workshop
Honing your Grievance and Mediation Skills: Tools and tactics for success

Kim Bernhardt
Arbitrator and Mediator

Nicole Butt
Legal Counsel
Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association

Mike MacLellan
Employer Counsel
Crawford Chondon & Partners LLP

Doug Sanderson
Arbitrator and Mediator
Doug Sanderson Dispute Resolution

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn key legal principles and best practices in advancing and responding to grievances and resolving grievances through mediation.
Through a facilitated discussion and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to:

Assess the merits of a grievance and progress through key steps in the grievance process, in accordance with collective agreement requirements;
Work with grievors who may present as “difficult to work with,” recognizing underlying disabilities, trauma, and other factors which may be impacting communication;
Determine when mediation is appropriate or required;
Select a mediator and prepare for the mediation;
Advocate effectively during the mediation process;
Overcome barriers to settlement and apply key legal principles and best practices when drafting a settlement agreement; and
Recognize when settlement is unlikely and arbitration is necessary.

Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and engage with other participants. All participants also receive a comprehensive set of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and additional resources compiled by Lancaster House program lawyers for continued learning and reference.
Register
Toronto Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference$1,395.00Add to cart

Toronto Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference Workshop$1,295.00Add to cart

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

Toronto Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference & Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference – Bundle (Conference + Workshop)
$2,995.00Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector ConferenceConference Co-chairs

Jorge Hurtado
Lawyer
Morrison Watts Hurtado Labour & Employment Lawyers

Donna Walrond
Lawyer
Bass Associates

Advisory Committee

Samara Barak
Senior Advisor
Employee Relations
York University

David Brook
Vice President, Labour Relations & Chief Negotiations Officer
Ontario Hospital Association

Kevin Giddings
District Director, GTA North
AMAPCEO

Coleen Houlder
Regional Vice-President (Toronto)
OPSEU

Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
Conference Co-chairs

Blaine Donais
Arbitrator/Mediator
President
Workplace Fairness Institute

Katherine Ferreira
Union Counsel
Koskie Minsky LLP

Michael Horvat
Employer Counsel
Aird & Berlis LLP

Conference Advisory Committee

Brett Christen
Employer Counsel
Rae Christen Jeffries LLP

Karen Ensslen
Partner
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP

Jawara Gairey
Director – Regional Offices Branch
Public Service Alliance of Canada

Nick E. Milanovic
Arbitrator/Mediator
Professor Carleton University

Jennifer Richards
Deputy Legal Director
Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat

CPD
Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Conference CPD

• This program has been approved for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 5.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.

Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector Workshop CPD

• This program has been approved for 5.17 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 5.17 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.

Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference CPD

• This program has been approved for 5.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 5.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.

Labour Arbitration and Policy Workshop CPD

• This program has been approved for 5.17 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 5.17 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.

Register

2025 Annual Employment Law Update: Key cases, legislative changes & compliance trends in Canadian workplaces
2025-12-16 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
Stay current on the latest cases, legislative developments, and compliance trends in employment law through this comprehensive annual cross-country update. The webinar and materials will address key issues relevant to unionized and non-unionized workplaces, such as:

Select an option

Live Webinar

Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Are employees entitled to work remotely and for how much of the work week? Who has the last word in determining whether employees must attend the workplace or work remotely? The employee or the employer?
What restrictions apply to an employer’s ability to lay off employees? How are employees’ entitlements on termination be impacted if they are let go due to large-scale downsizing or restructuring, whether for economic reasons or as a result of technological change such as adoption of artificial intelligence?
What words or phrasing invalidate a termination clause in an employment contract? Will stating that an employer can terminate an employee without cause “at any time” render a termination clause unenforceable? What trends are emerging in terms of how courts in different provinces approach such clauses?
What types of conduct have recently been found to constitute “just cause”? When can employers successfully rely on “after-acquired cause”?
When terms of termination are not set out in a contract, how much notice or pay in lieu thereof will be considered reasonable? What factors do courts now take into account?
How do courts determine whether employers have met the duty to mitigate their damages by seeking other employment?
What factors have prompted courts to award aggravated/moral or punitive damages for an employer’s conduct when terminating an individual’s employment? When may a party’s conduct during litigation warrant an award of damages?

The webinar and materials will also address the latest legislative and regulatory changes, such as:

New and amended leave entitlements;
Increasing restrictions on employers’ entitlements to medical notes in support of certain short-term statutory leave requests; and
Recent employment standards changes introduced through Ontario’s Working for Workers legislative series.

Topics will be finalized in the weeks prior to the webinar, ensuring coverage of the latest and most important developments in a changing legal landscape.
ModeratorComing Soon.
Speakers

Margaret Bramhill
Employee Counsel
KBA Partners LLP

Joel Fairbrother
Employer Counsel
Bow River Law LLP

AccreditationCPD

This program has been approved by CPHR Alberta for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved by CPHR BC & Yukon for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

This program has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).

This program has been approved by the Law Society of British Columbia for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of Ontario may consider counting this program for 1.5 Substantive hours; 0 Professionalism hours.
Members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society may count this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.
Members of the Law Society of New Brunswick may consider this program for 1.5 Continuing Professional Development hours.

2026 Annual Labour Law Update: The latest cases and legislative developments
2026-01-15 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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Live Webinar

Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Stay up to date on the latest developments in labour law through this comprehensive webinar addressing noteworthy cases and legislative updates from the past year. Panelists will examine key updates from across the country, addressing questions such as:

What is the status of ongoing legal challenges to the federal government’s recent uses of s. 107 of the Canada Labour Code to intervene in strike actions? How might courts balance the competing interests and legal rights at stake, and how does the Charter of Rights (the “Charter“) impact this analysis? In light of the response of the paeties other labour relations parties, and the public to the use of s. 107, is future use of the provision likely?
What aspects of an electronic monitoring policy will render the policy reasonable or unenforceable?
What is the dividing line between workplace harassment and workplace violence?
What do recent cases suggest about the point in time when an employer’s duty to investigate a harassment complaint is triggered? Will creating a solicitor-client relationship with a lawyer hired to conduct a workplace investigation render that investigation unfair?
What trends are emerging in recent discipline and discharge cases? What factors have arbitrators considered in recent cases when determining whether to uphold discipline imposed for inappropriate off-duty use of social media by employees?
Can employers discipline employees who refuse to undergo a medical examination? How should employers and unions respond when an employee objects an independent medical examination report?
Can an employer ban off-duty cannabis use for employees who work in safety-sensitive positions? Under what circumstances can employers require employees to undergo testing for substance use?
When will the Charter apply to organizations in the broader public sector (for example, a school board or regional health authority)?
What noteworthy federal and provincial legislative initiatives have recently been introduced? For example:

What measures have been introduced at a federal and provincial level in response to the trade conflict between Canada and the US?
What federal guidance has been provided regarding Canada’s supply chain transparency legislation? How does the multi-jurisdictional “International Reporting on Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Child Labour” template and guidance, created in cooperation between Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, fit with obligations under the federal supply chain legislation?
Which jurisdiction provides the most paid days’ for sick leave or emergency family leave?
What changes have been implemented through the latest installments of the Ontario government’s Working for Workers series of legislation?
Which provinces have recently introduced or passed legislation restricting employers’ right to ask for doctor’s notes in support of short-term sick leave?
How far does recent Quebec legislation expand government authority to restrict or end lawful strikes and lock-outs and refer labour disputes to interest arbitration? What is the status of the legal challenge commenced in response to this legislation?

Final selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the webinar, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy topics in a shifting legal landscape.
Moderator

David Mombourquette
Chairperson
New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board

Speakers

Preston Parsons
Employer counsel
Overholt LLP

Ruthie Wellen
Union counsel
Kastner Ko LLP

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Difficult Bargaining Conversations: Identifying and overcoming obstacles to agreement
2026-01-29 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
Program
Finding the common ground that makes negotiation of a collective agreement possible can be a difficult process at the best of times. Is there a way to make the process easier, or to prevent parties from becoming so entrenched in their own positions and views such that agreement is impossible?
In this interactive full-day workshop, an experienced mediator along with two seasoned negotiators from both sides of the table will provide guidance on effectively using interest-based and other approaches to bargaining. Participants will learn to:

Use more productive strategies when engaged in positional bargaining;
Identify situations in which interest-based bargaining can be used effectively;
Communicate effectively to identify needs and interests underlying demands;
Generate creative options to solve tough problems; and
Build and preserve productive union-management relationships through bargaining.

$1,095.00Add to cart

Program Leader

Trevor Sones
Mediator
BC Labour Relations Board (BCLRB)
Adjunct Professor
Sauder School of Business
University of British Columbia (UBC)

Speakers

Jessica Fairbairn
Employer Counsel
Harris & Company LLP

Maryna McTague
Union Counsel
Seveny Scott

CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

2026 Annual Human Rights Update: The latest cases and legislative developments
2026-01-29 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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Live Webinar

Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Lancaster’s Annual Human Rights Update returns to bring you the latest cases and updates on Canadian human rights law. Our dynamic speakers, who include experts in labour, employment, and human rights law, will share their insights and practical tips for you to bring back to your practice, your union, or your HR team! Topics include:

What kinds of accommodations have courts recognized as reasonable accommodations for disabilities? What qualifies as “undue hardship” for an employer when it comes to disability accommodation?
When might an employer’s ‘unconscious bias’ constitute discrimination in hiring?
When will an employee’s discriminatory or controversial views expressed online or in the workplace lead to discharge?
What are the different tests for establishing prima facie discrimination based on family status in Canada – including the Moore, Johnstone, Misetich, and Campbell River tests – and in which jurisdictions are they applied?
What constitutes a serious interference with a family obligation such that it will amount to family status discrimination? How can employers and unions distinguish between protected family responsibilities and personal preferences?
What forms of caregiving fall under the scope of family status protections? Which relations are protected? What types of activities, responsibilities, and obligations flowing from these relationships give rise to legal protection?
How might AI-driven management impact an employee’s privacy and corresponding human rights? What are the limits of employer surveillance and monitoring?
What has changed in the decisions relating to substance use cases and policies?
What trends are emerging in damage awards for discrimination, failure to accommodate, and reprisal claims? How high has the bar been raised?

Final selection of topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the webinar, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy topics in a shifting legal landscape.
Moderator

Edith Bramwell
Chairperson
Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board

Speakers

Daniel McBain
Union Counsel
Moore Edgar Lyster LLP

Khiam Nong
Employer Counsel
Gowling WLG

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Labour Relations Certificate - Winter 2026 (Virtual Program)
2026-02-05 12:30 - 2026-03-26 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
In association with:
Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a digital credential.
Program Leader

Daphne Taras
Professor Emerita
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Program Faculty
Coming Soon.

Program
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)

Who should attend?

Human resources professionals
Union officers and representatives
Lawyers
Managers
Mediators
Workplace investigators

2026 Winter Schedule†
The Winter 2026 session of the Labour Relations Certificate Program will comprise of 8 sessions over 8 weeks, and will take place on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET beginning February 5, 2026.

Sample Agenda

Video

CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

2026 Annual Pensions Update: The latest cases and legislative updates, and policy developments
2026-02-12 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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Canadian pension and benefit plans are facing a pivotal moment, where shifting caselaw, evolving regulations, and new legislative developments are redefining what it means to manage risk, ensure compliance, and protect members. Specifically, the panel will address:

How are courts interpreting fiduciary duties in light of longevity risks and ESG considerations? How have adjudicators addressed whether terminating benefits at age 65 is discriminatory?
How are arbitrators and courts interpreting the treatment of leaves of absence, including short and long-term disability leaves, in relation to pension contributions and benefit accruals?
What new regulatory or legislative developments (CPP enhancements, CAPSA guidelines, etc.) should plan administrators be prepared for in 2026?
How are governments and regulators addressing pension plan resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, including solvency funding, annuity buyouts, and de-risking strategies?
What compliance challenges are arising around disclosure, member communications, and cybersecurity in pension administration?

Moderator

James Cameron
Arbitrator and Mediator
Cameron Mediation Arbitration

Speakers

Brittany Greenberg
Pensions Counsel
Koskie Minsky LLP

Kelleher Lynch
Pensions Counsel
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Lancaster’s Workplace Essentials: Non-disciplinary discharge and innocent absenteeism
2026-02-26 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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This program brings together leading practitioners to unpack the latest developments in employment and labour law. From the enforceability of termination clauses, to the boundaries of “just cause” in cases of innocent absenteeism, this webinar explores how courts across Canada are redefining fairness and good faith in the termination process. Attendees will gain practical insights into:

What are the implications since Dufault and Baker on the enforceability of termination provisions in employment contracts in Ontario?
How has language such as “sole discretion” and “at any time” been interpreted in provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia?
Employee, dependent contractor, or independent contractor? How have the legal principles recently been applied and what notice periods or damages have been awarded?
When will off-duty conduct warrant termination?
What do courts consider when it comes to an employee’s duty to mitigate damages?
What is “quiet firing”? Can employers be held liable for “quiet firing”?
Does recent case law suggest a trend towards granting awards of punitive or aggravated damages where employers do not act in good faith, or where employers fail to meet statutory obligations during termination?
What policies, procedures, or practices can employers adopt to ensure they are meeting the duty of good faith and fair dealing when it comes to terminations?
From both management and union perspectives, what are the pros and cons of continuing work-from-home arrangements?
When can innocent absenteeism rise to the level of just cause for dismissal?
When will an employee’s disability rise to the level of undue hardship? What guidance does recent case law offer on the interpretation and application of this test?

Moderator

Nick E. Milanovic
Arbitrator and Mediator
Professor Carleton University

Speakers

Sotonye Godwin-Hart
Union Counsel
Koskie Glavin Gordon

Elisa Scali
Employer Counsel
Gowling WLG

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Creating and Enforcing Effective AI Policies: Confidentiality, compliance & discipline at work
2026-03-19 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Join leading experts as they explore how employers and unions can design and enforce effective AI policies that safeguard confidentiality, ensure compliance, and maintain trust and accountability in an evolving digital landscape.

How are AI tools (e.g. Chat GPT, Copilot, Gemini, DALL-E) being used by employees and employers?
Does existing federal or provincial legislation set any limits on the use of AI in the workplace?
What elements may go into an effective “AI policy” and how does it complement existing confidentiality, technology, and social media policies?
What is the current role of AI-driven tools in management decision-making, and how can AI make or support management decisions?
What PIPEDA and provincial privacy regimes may be affected when employee or client data is processed by AI? What are best practices for the consent and use of sensitive client data?
How are employers and unions addressing the use of algorithmic management in collective agreements?
What legal concerns arise when an employer uses AI to assess candidates’ suitability for positions?
What progressive discipline policies may apply in AI-related misconduct?
Will human resources be taken over by ‘algorithmic management,’ e.g. filtering applications for employment, assessing employee performance, making decisions regarding termination of employment?
How can workplace parties use AI to render it an asset while avoiding the drawbacks that may render it an adversary?

Moderator

Karen Scott
Arbitrator and Mediator

Speakers

James Craig
Union Counsel
Morrison Watts LLP

Teresa Haykowsky
Employer Counsel
McLennan Ross LLP

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Responding to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence at Work: Union and employer duties
2026-04-09 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
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Live Webinar

Live Webinar, video, and MP3 Bundle

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Coming Soon.
Moderator

Coming Soon.

Speakers

Coming Soon.

Accreditation
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference
2026-04-15 - 2026-04-16 | Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B5, Canada
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
Keynote - 9:05 – 9:35 am
Coming Soon.
Panel 1 - New and Noteworthy: Major recent caselaw, legislation, and policy developments - 9:55 – 10:25 am
Coming Soon.
Break: 10:25 – 10:45 am

Panel 2 - Human Rights in the Hybrid Workplace: Giving effect to employee accommodations in the context of a return-to-office mandate - 10:45 – 12:00 pm
Coming Soon.
Networking lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Fireside Chat - 1:00 – 1:45 pm
Coming Soon.
Break: 1:45 – 2:05 pm

Panel 3 - Repairing Harm: Exploring restorative solutions following human rights transgressions - 2:05 – 3:35 pm
Coming Soon.
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

Panel 4 - Respecting Rights, Achieving Closure: Strategies for successful mediation of human rights disputes - 9:05 – 10:20 am
Coming Soon.
Break: 10:20 – 10:40 am

Panel 5 - Complex Accommodations: Neurodiversity, substance use, chronic absenteeism, and more - 10:40 – 11:40 am
Coming Soon.
Networking lunch: 11:40 – 12:40 pm

Panel 6 - Shining a Light on Investigations: Expert guidance, best practices, recent caselaw - 12:40 – 1:55 pm
Coming Soon.
Break: 1:55 – 2:15 pm

Panel 7 - Uses and Abuses of Modern Technology: A scenario-based session on social media, employee monitoring, and AI - 2:15 – 3:45 pm
Coming Soon.
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

You may also be interested in: B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop

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
CPDLancaster 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.
HRA Vancouver - Pan Pacific Hotel
Reserve By:
Monday, March 16, 2026. After this date, the special group rate will no longer be available and reservation requests will be based on availability that is subject to the hotel’s rates.

Check-in date
Check-out date

April 14, 2026
April 18, 2026

Booking link to be provided in coming weeks.

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop
2026-04-17 | Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B5, Canada
Accommodating Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: The duty to inquire, medical information, undue hardship, and other core questionsProgram Overview The BC Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop is a highly focused professional development opportunity for HR professionals, union leaders, and employer representatives involved in labour law in BC and Western Canada. Designed with both legal rigour and practical application in mind, this session helps participants deepen their understanding of core workplace challenges and build hands-on skills to improve outcomes.
What You’ll Learn:

Strategies for proactive problem solving
Scenario-based exercises and expert feedback
Legislative updates and case study analysis
Tools to improve communication and resolution at the front lines

Who Should Attend

Human Resources Professionals
Labour Relations Officers
Union Stewards & Counsel
Legal Advisors and Advocates

Delivery Format

In-Person session led by leading labour law experts
Interactive case studies and guided discussion

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 – Workshop$1,095.00Add to cart

B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop) $2,690.00Add to cart

You may also be interested in: B.C. Human Rights and Accommodation Conference
CPD
CPDLancaster 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.
HRA Vancouver - Pan Pacific Hotel
Reserve By:
Monday, March 16, 2026. After this date, the special group rate will no longer be available and reservation requests will be based on availability that is subject to the hotel’s rates.

Check-in date
Check-out date

April 14, 2026
April 18, 2026

Booking link to be provided in coming weeks.

Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop
2026-04-29 | U of T Chestnut Conference Centre, Terrace 3rd Floor, 89 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON, M5G 1R1, Canada
A Trauma-informed Approach: Making grievance and complaint procedures a safe place
Program Overview
The Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop is a highly focused professional development opportunity for HR professionals, union leaders, and employer representatives involved in labour law in Ontario and Eastern Canada. Designed with both legal rigour and practical application in mind, this session helps participants deepen their understanding of core workplace challenges and build hands-on skills to improve outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

Strategies for proactive problem solving
Scenario-based exercises and expert feedback
Legislative updates and case study analysis
Tools to improve communication and resolution at the front lines

Who Should Attend

Human Resources Professionals
Labour Relations Officers
Union Stewards & Counsel
Legal Advisors and Advocates

Delivery Format

In-Person session led by leading labour law experts
Interactive case studies and guided discussion

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
Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Workshop$1,095.00Add to cart

Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop) $2,690.00Add to cart

You may also be interested in: Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference

CPD
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-01 | U of T Chestnut Conference Centre, Terrace 3rd Floor, 89 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON, M5G 1R1, Canada
Overview Lancaster House’s Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference brings together top legal experts, labour relations professionals, and union representatives to examine the latest developments and emerging trends in workplace human rights and accommodation. Attendees will gain valuable insights on key topics, including recent legislative and policy changes and practical strategies for addressing workplace human rights matters.
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.
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 Ontario 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.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is essential for:

Employment Lawyers & Legal Professionals – Stay ahead of evolving employment laws and gain insights on key case law decisions.

HR Professionals & Business Leaders – Understand your obligations and responsibilities when implementing workplace accommodations and inclusion strategies.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Specialists – Learn best practices for fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free workplace.
Union Representatives & Labor Advocates – Get the latest updates on human rights protections and fair labor policies.

Learning Outcomes
At the Toronto Human Rights and Accommodation Conference 2025, you’ll gain actionable insights on:

Human Rights Law Updates – Stay informed on recent tribunal decisions, legislative changes, and legal obligations for employers.
Workplace Accommodation Strategies – Learn how to effectively accommodate employees with disabilities and diverse needs while staying compliant.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace – Discover best practices for fostering equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination policies.
HR Legal Compliance & Best Practices – Understand your responsibilities in employee rights, workplace fairness, and accessibility requirements. Real-World Case Studies & Expert Panels – Hear directly from legal experts, HR specialists, and human rights advocates about emerging challenges and solutions.

Thursday, April 30, 2026 Breakfast: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Introductory Remarks: 9:00 – 9:05 am
Panel 1 - New and Noteworthy: Major recent caselaw, legislation, and policy developments - 9:05 – 10:35 am
Coming Soon.
Break: 10:35 – 10:55 am
Panel 2 - Shining a Light on Investigations: Expert guidance, best practices, recent caselaw - 10:55 – 12:15 pm
Coming Soon.
Networking lunch: 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Fireside Chat - 1:15 – 2:00 pm
Coming Soon.
Break: 2:00 – 2:20 pm
Panel 3 - Uses and Abuses of Modern Technology: A scenario-based session on social media, employee monitoring, and AI - 2:20 – 3:50 pm
Coming Soon.
Friday, May 1, 2026 Breakfast: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Introductory Remarks: 9:00 – 9:05 am
Panel 4 - Complex Accommodations: Neurodiversity, substance use, chronic absenteeism, and more - 9:05 – 10:20 am
Coming Soon.
Break: 10:20 – 10:40 am
Panel 5 - The Hidden Toll: Preventing and managing burnout of human rights and labour relations practitioners - 10:40 – 11:50 am
Coming Soon.
Networking lunch: 11:50 – 12:50 pm
Panel 6 - Respecting Rights, Achieving Closure: Strategies for successful mediation of human rights disputes- 12:50 – 2:05 pm
Coming Soon.
Break: 2:05 – 2:25 pm
Panel 7 - Sexual Harassment, From Annoyance to Assault: A scenario-based panel on identifying and addressing the spectrum of unlawful behaviours in the workplace- 2:25 – 3:50 pm
Coming Soon.
Closing remarks: 3:50 – 4:00 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
Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Both Days $1,995.00Add to cart

Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Day 1 $1,195.00Add to cart

Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference – Day 2 $1,195.00Add to cart

Bundle pricing is available:
Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop) $2,690.00Add to cart

You may also be interested in: Ontario Human Rights and Accommodation Skills Training Workshop
Conference Co-Chairs

Esi Codjoe
Employer Counsel
Turnpenney Milne LLP

Archana Mathew
Arbitrator and Mediator

Wade Poziomka
Union Counsel
Ross & McBride LLP

Advisory Committee

Roger Love
Legal Counsel
Ontario Human Rights Commission

Marcus McCann
Employer Counsel
Marcus McCann Law

Kimalee Phillip
Director of Human Rights
CUPE National

Shyama Talukdar
Union Counsel
Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP

Winslow Taylor
Director of Human Rights and Investigations
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

CPD
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.

Bargaining Emerging Issues: AI, remote work, new leaves, and the changing workplace
2026-04-30 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event

Winning Pre-Hearing Strategies: Navigating delays, settlements, and disclosure requirements
2026-05-14 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event

Atlantic Labour Law Conference
2026-05-25 - 2026-05-26 | Halifax Marriot Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3J5, Canada
Overview
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.

What to Expect
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.

Who Should Attend?
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.

Monday, May 25, 2026
Coming Soon.

Tuesday, May 26, 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.

Pricing
Atlantic Labour Law Conference – Both Days $1,395.00Add to cart

Atlantic Labour Law Conference – Day 1 $995.00Add to cart

Atlantic Labour Law Conference – Day 2 $995.00Add to cart

Bundle pricing is available:

Atlantic Labour Law Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop) $1,995.00Add to cart

You may also be interested in: Atlantic Labour Law Workshop

Conference Co-Chairs

Kiersten Amos
Employer Counsel
McInnes Cooper

Chantelle MacDonald Newhook
Arbitrator, Mediator and Investigator
Dispute Winners
Vice-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board

Daniel Wilband
Union Counsel
VanBuskirk Law

Advisory Committee

Brian Johnston
Employer Counsel
Stewart McKelvey

Karen Milligan
HR Manager
Health PEI

Chris Montigny
Employer Counsel
HR Atlantic

Sandra Mullen
President
Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union

Susie Proulx-Daigle
President
New Brunswick Union (NBU)

Mary Rolf
Union Counsel
Pink Larkin

CPD
CPDLancaster 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.

Atlantic Labour Law Skills Training Workshop
2026-05-27 | Halifax Marriot Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3J5, Canada
Program Overview
The Atlantic Labour Law Skills Training Workshop is a highly focused professional development opportunity for HR professionals, union leaders, and employer representatives involved in labour law in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and P.E.I.. Designed with both legal rigour and practical application in mind, this session helps participants deepen their understanding of core workplace challenges and build hands-on skills to improve outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

Strategies for proactive problem solving
Scenario-based exercises and expert feedback
Legislative updates and case study analysis
Tools to improve communication and resolution at the front lines

Who Should Attend

Human Resources Professionals
Labour Relations Officers
Union Stewards & Counsel
Legal Advisors and Advocates

Delivery Format

In-Person session led by leading labour law experts
Interactive case studies and guided discussion

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
Atlantic Labour Law Conference – Workshop
$1,095.00Add to cart

Atlantic Labour Law Conference & Workshop – Bundle (Conference + Workshop)
$1,995.00Add to cart

You may also be interested in: Atlantic Labour Law Conference

CPD
CPD
Lancaster House provides professional education programs that qualify for CPD credit for human resources professionals, lawyers, and paralegals across Canada.

Remote and Cross-Jurisdictional Work: Drafting compliant and effective employment contracts
2026-05-28 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event

AI at Work: Human rights, privacy, and equity considerations for employers and unions
2026-06-11 12:30 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event

44th Annual Alberta Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference
2026-06-18 - 2026-06-19 | The Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre, 1316 33 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 6B6, Canada
Overview
Since its launch in 1981, the Annual Alberta Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference has served as a cornerstone gathering for Alberta’s labour relations community—offering not only timely legal and policy updates but also valuable networking opportunities with leading voices in the field.
This year’s conference brings together top arbitrators, lawyers, union representatives, and HR professionals for in-depth discussions on the most pressing developments in labour arbitration and workplace policy. Expert-led panels will cover critical topics such as recent case law, legislative changes, policy trends, and the practical challenges shaping today’s labour landscape in Alberta.
The conference will feature concurrent panels and hands-on workshops, allowing attendees to customize their experience by choosing the sessions most relevant to their interests and professional roles. With a strong emphasis on connection and collaboration, this event is designed to foster dialogue, spark new ideas, and strengthen professional relationships across the labour relations community.
Whether you’re navigating complex arbitration issues or refining your workplace strategies, the Alberta conference offers the insight, flexibility, and network you need to stay ahead.

What to Expect
The event begins with an evening networking reception, providing a relaxed setting to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and leaders from the labour community. This will be followed by an evening plenary session, offering thought-provoking discussion to set the stage for the next day’s program.
The following day features a full schedule of expert-led panels, including concurrent sessions that allow participants to tailor their experience by choosing the topics most relevant to their interests and professional needs. Panelists will represent union-side, employer-side, and neutral perspectives, offering balanced, practical insights through moderated discussions. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions—either verbally or electronically—at the end of each session.
In addition to the live content, participants will receive a comprehensive package of digital materials, including textbook chapters, case summaries, and other carefully curated resources. Developed through extensive research by Lancaster House program lawyers, these materials are designed to support continued learning long after the event.

Who Should Attend?
This conference will provide invaluable learning and networking opportunities for professionals involved in shaping and managing workplace policy, arbitration, and labour relations. It is designed for individuals across a range of industries, including:

Arbitrators & Mediators – Decision-makers and dispute resolution professionals seeking to stay current with evolving practices and jurisprudence.
Negotiators & Bargaining Agents – Professionals involved in collective bargaining looking to strengthen their strategies and deepen their understanding of recent legal and policy developments.
Human Resources Leaders – HR managers, directors, and disability management specialists navigating workplace accommodations, discipline, and compliance.
Employment & Labour Lawyers – Legal professionals seeking updates on arbitration trends, case law, and legislative changes.
Union Representatives & Labour Relations Experts – Advocates working to ensure fair treatment in the workplace and effective collective bargaining outcomes.
Corporate Executives & Compliance Officers – Business leaders responsible for aligning workplace policies with legal requirements and best practices.
Government & Public Sector Professionals – HR and legal representatives working within municipal, provincial, and federal public service contexts.

Whether you are resolving disputes, negotiating agreements, or developing workplace policy, this conference offers the insights and connections you need to stay informed and effective.

Learning Outcomes
By attending this conference, you will:
✔ Stay up to date on the latest developments in labour arbitration, workplace policy, and employment law across Alberta.
✔ Strengthen your skills in interpreting and applying arbitration awards, legislative changes, and policy decisions in real-world workplace contexts.
✔ Gain practical strategies for resolving disputes, drafting effective workplace policies, and navigating complex issues in collective bargaining.
✔ Learn from leading arbitrators, legal experts, union and employer representatives through engaging discussions and case-based analysis.
✔ Connect with fellow practitioners, negotiators, and decision-makers to expand your professional network and exchange ideas.

Sample MaterialsClick here to see an excerpt from last year’s materials!

Thursday, June 18, 2026
Coming Soon.

Friday June 19, 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.

Pricing
Alberta Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference – Day 1
$1,495.00Add to cart

Alberta Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference – Day 2
$1,495.00Add to cart

Bundle pricing is available:

Alberta Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference – Bundle (Conference Day + Workshop)
$1,995.00Add to cart

Conference Co-Chairs

Tom Hesse
President
United Food and commercial workers Canada local 401

Jacqueline Lacasse
General Counsel and VP People & Culture
University of Calgary

Jeremy Schick
Vice-Chair with the Labour Relations Board

Advisory Committee

Mark Asbell, K.C.
Arbitrator, Mediator, and Adjudicator
Asbell Dispute Resolutions

Clayton Cook
Union Counsel
McGowan Cook

Marcella Clarke
Senior Labour Relations Advisor
Alberta Health Services

Jackie Laviolette
Employer Counsel
Matthews Dinsdale & Clarke

Nancy Schelsinger
Chair and Essential Services Commissioner
Alberta Labour Relations Board

Ben Zorn
Manager of Labour Relations
AUPE

CPD
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.
The Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre
Reserve By:
Monday, May 18, 2026: After this date, the special group rate will no longer be available and reservation requests will be based on availability that is subject to the hotel’s rates.

Check-in date
Check-out date
Room rate

June 17, 2026
June 19, 2026
$139/120 nights

Booking link to be provided in coming weeks.

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