Day One: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
10:30 EDT
15 min
Welcome and Opening Remarks from the Chair
10:45 EDT
60 min
Accommodation in the Context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Discuss the intersection between duty to accommodate and DEI work
- Engage in collaborative dialogues with employees to find individualized accommodation plans that lead employees to success
- Assess the needs of employees using intersectional lens
- Highlight the need of effective accommodation to create an inclusive workplace
11:45 EDT
60 min
New and Notable Cases: A Look at Recent Developments in the Law of Accommodation
Margaret-Marie (Meg) Steele, Senior Legal Counsel, City of Ottawa
- Examine and synthesize recent legal developments in accommodation
- Research and analyze key rulings, distilling complex legal concepts into accessible summaries for a diverse audience, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the dynamic landscape of accommodation law
- Authorize a detailed report highlighting emerging trends and implications from recent cases
12:45 EDT
45 minBreak
13:30 EDT
60 min
Accommodating the Embittered Employee Our Next Workplace Challenge
- Implement a proactive conflict resolution strategy, mediating and resolving disputes to foster a more harmonious work environment
- Develop and execute a targeted employee support program
- Spearhead training initiatives for managers and teams
14:30 EDT
60 min
Accommodation and Competing Rights
Nhi Huynh, Labour and Employment Lawyer and Workplace Investigator, Williams HR Law LLP
- Substance abuse in the workplace
- Disability and performance issues
- Rights under the collective agreement that are interfered with by accommodating a worker
15:30 EDT
60 min
Juggling Minds: Diverse Executive Functions at Work
Tara Beaton, Workplace Disability & Learning Solutions Specialist, Tarabeaton.com
- Assess how different executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, interact in complex workplace scenarios
- Determine which executive functions are most critical for specific tasks and allocate resources accordingly to optimize productivity
- Continuously adjust and refine executive function strategies to meet evolving demands and challenges in a dynamic work environment
16:30 EDT
Closing Remarks from the Chair
Day Two: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
10:30 EDT
min
Welcome and Opening Remarks from the Chair
10:30 EDT
60 min
Navigating Legal Obligations: Duty to Accommodate in the Workplace
Brad Hallowell, Associate, Employment & Labour Law, KPMG Law LLP
- Harmonize Legal Frameworks
- Navigate Legal Challenges
- Promote Inclusivity
11:30 EDT
60 min
Addressing Workplace Bullying and Harassment: Creating a Respectful Environment
- Establish a comprehensive anti-bullying and anti-harassment policy
- Conduct regular awareness and sensitivity training for all employees
- Encourage open communication channels for reporting incidents
- Promptly investigate all reported cases with diligence and fairness
- Enforce strict consequences for perpetrators in line with the policy
12:30 EDT
45 minBreak
13:15 EDT
60 min
Disability Management and Accommodation
Joel Smith, Partner, Williams HR Law LLP
Oliver Lam, Labour and Employment Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Williams HR Law LLP
- Consider what the duty to accommodate employee disabilities entails, particularly within a unionized environment
- Highlight legislation and common collective agreement terms relating to disability management
- Discuss what medical information can be requested, and strategies to obtain it
- Explore the topic of mental health accommodation
- Examine real-world case studies demonstrating best practices in disability management
14:15 EDT
60 min
Frustration and the Accommodation Process
- Define the legal doctrine of frustration as it relates to employees who are unable to complete the bona fide occupational requirements of their role
- Describe how the doctrine of frustration intersects with the duty to accommodate
- Detail what employers need to know before relying on the doctrine of frustration
- Identify pitfalls in the process of claiming frustration
- Confirm employer obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in situations involving frustration
15:15 EDT
60 min
Navigating the Boundary: Distinguishing Between Wants and Needs in Accommodation Requests
- Assess the legitimacy of accommodation requests through careful evaluation
- Differentiate between essential needs and discretionary wants
- Engage in open dialogue with individuals seeking accommodations
- Prioritize accommodation solutions based on genuine needs
- Educate both employees and employers on the distinction between wants and needs in accommodation requests
16:15 EDT
Closing Remarks from the Chair
Pre-Conference Workshop: Monday, March 25, 2024
13:00 EDT
180 min
Stress and Mental Health in the Workplace
Bibigi Haile, Strategic Advisor, The Beauvoir Group
Faduno Ali, Senior Advisor at Privy Council Office, Government of Canada
Keitha Cowie, Senior Project Analyst, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Embracing Every Mind: A Journey to Advocacy in Mental Health and Inclusion
Diane Rudakenga’s presentation, “Embracing Every Mind: A Journey to Advocacy in Mental Health and Inclusion,” promises to be a transformative experience that explores the intersections of identity, mental health, and workplace inclusivity. Through her own narrative as a Neurodivergent African-Canadian woman and mother, Diane will delve into the heart of mental health advocacy, neurodiversity, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). She will share insights from her extensive background in psychoeducation, positive psychology, and human-centric leadership. This empowering session promises to illuminate the complexities of mental health support, advocating for inclusive and supportive environments.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Navigating Workplace Wellbeing: An Intersectional Approach to Stress and Mental Health
In this session, our esteemed guest speakers will explore the complexities of stress and mental health in the workplace, each contributing their unique expertise. The discussion aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of these issues, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding from various perspectives. Our goal is to provide practical tools and strategies to foster an inclusive wellbeing culture within organizations.