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In this webinar, experts will examine recent noteworthy developments in workplace human rights law. Panelists will address questions including:

• What lessons can be learned from recent cases addressing the adequacy of workplace investigations into allegations of harassment and discrimination? What information relating to the outcome of the investigation must employers convey to affected employees?
• How have arbitrators and human rights tribunals resolved evidentiary challenges relating to establishing subtle or systemic forms of discrimination? Does the caselaw reflect a growing recognition of certain pervasive stereotypes and biases such that expert evidence on these points is no longer required?
• What do recent cases suggest about when an employee’s beliefs, such as ethical veganism or an opposition to vaccination, constitute protected beliefs under human rights legislation? When will disciplining or dismissing employees due to their expression of unpopular, controversial, or allegedly discriminatory views violate their religion- and creed-based rights?
• When may refusing to allow an employee to work from home constitute discrimination on the basis of family status?
• What lessons can be learned from recent caselaw regarding best practices for promoting and respecting gender diversity and neurodiversity at work?
• How have decision-makers in recent cases balanced an employee’s human rights against other workplace considerations, such as health and safety requirements?
• In what jurisdictions have human rights tribunals been found to have concurrent jurisdiction with labour arbitrators over human rights claims of unionized employees?
• Is a cap on damages under human rights legislation legally valid?
• What noteworthy legislative and policy initiatives have recently been introduced impacting human rights at work? For example:
  • What amendments to the federal Employment Equity Act have been announced following the Report of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force?
  • What is required under the new return to work obligations introduced in B.C.’s and Nova Scotia’s workers compensation legislation? How do these duties intersect with parties’ obligations under human rights legislation?
  • What are the implications of the Ontario Human Rights Commissions’ new policy statement on caste-based discrimination?

Final selection of cases and topics will take place in the weeks leading up to the webinar, ensuring coverage of the latest and most newsworthy developments.