Day One: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
10:30 EDT
15 minWelcome and Opening Remarks from the Chair
10:45 EDT
60 minDuty to Accommodate Policy in an Ideal World
- Establishes clear guidelines for identifying and addressing accommodation needs to ensure inclusivity and equity for all individuals.
- Streamlines the accommodation request process by fostering open communication, accountability, and timely responses.
Empowers individuals and organizations to collaborate effectively, balancing diverse needs with operational requirements.
11:45 EDT
60 minResolving Competing Human Rights Accommodation Requests
- Overview of Human Rights Accommodations and Employer Duties.
- Identifying Competing Rights involving religious, disability or gender related accommodation requests.
- Case study analysis of recent jurisprudence.
- Practical tips involving best practices.
- Proactive measures including workplace policies and training.
12:45 EDT
45 minBreak
13:30 EDT
60 minFrom Conflict to Collaboration: Addressing the Duty to Accommodate and Difficult Employee Dynamics
- Identify sources of conflict related to employee accommodations and dynamics.
- Foster open communication between management and employees to encourage dialogue.
- Implement conflict resolution strategies to facilitate collaboration and understanding.
- Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse needs and perspectives.
- Monitor outcomes to ensure effective resolution and ongoing support for all employees.
14:30 EDT
60 minInnovative Strategies for Fostering Inclusive Work Environments
Georges Fattouche, Director, Excellence Centre for EDIA, Library and Archives Canada
- Developed and implemented data-driven diversity and inclusion programs, increasing workforce representation and engagement across underrepresented groups.
- Designed and facilitated interactive training sessions to educate employees on unconscious bias, fostering a culture of belonging and collaboration.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create equitable hiring practices and accessible workplace policies, ensuring compliance and inclusivity.
15:30 EDT
60 minBalancing Family and Work: Recent Cases on Duty to Accommodate in the Federal Sector
- Review recent cases to understand the evolving landscape of family-related accommodations in the federal sector.
- Assess the impact of legal rulings on workplace policies regarding family responsibilities.
- Implement strategies that promote work-life balance while adhering to the duty to accommodate.
- Facilitate discussions among stakeholders to address challenges related to family accommodations.
- Document successful case outcomes to create a repository of best practices for future reference.
16:30 EDT
Closing Remarks from the Chair
Day Two: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
10:30 EDT
10 minWelcome and Opening Remarks from the Chair
10:30 EDT
60 minBeyond Compliance: Hiring, Retaining, and Supporting Employees with Disabilities Under Bill C-81
Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act, requires federally regulated employers to proactively remove barriers rather than just respond to accommodation requests. This session explores how organizations can go beyond compliance by creating inclusive hiring practices, conducting workplace accessibility audits, and implementing retention strategies that support employees with disabilities. Learn how proactive accessibility benefits both employees and employers, reduces legal risks, and fosters a more inclusive workplace culture.
11:30 EDT
60 minAtypical Accommodation: Tackling Unconventional Grounds and Specialized Workplace Scenarios
Joel Smith, Partner, Labour & Employment Lawyers & Workplace Investigators, Williams HR Law LLP
Inggrid Wibowo, Lawyer & Workplace Investigator, Williams HR Law LLP
- Explore the nuances of accommodating employees in specialized workplace contexts, including workplace investigations and recruitment processes.
- Examine evolving legal developments addressing accommodation based on less conventional grounds, including political views, immigration status, and age.
12:30 EDT
45 minBreak
13:15 EDT
60 minAccommodating Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
- Employer and employee obligations in the duty to accommodate.
- The duty to inquire.
- Requesting employee medical information.
- Navigating drug and alcohol policies and implementing return-to-work plans.
- Practical takeaways for employers.
14:15 EDT
60 minThe Role of DEI in Decision-Making to Reduce Absenteeism
Sanzana Hossain, Senior Partner, Abilities & Attendance, Peel District School Board
Lizna Husnani-Puchta, Director, Inclusion, IGM Financial Inc.
- How to use DEI strategies to reduce absenteeism.
- How accessibility and inclusion reduces disability related absences.
- Benefits of team collaboration between DEI and DM teams.
15:15 EDT
60 minLegal Considerations in Fulfilling Your Duty to Support Employees
- Examine relevant laws and regulations that govern the duty to support employees in the workplace.
- Assess potential legal risks associated with failing to provide adequate support and accommodations.
- Implement compliance training programs for management and HR to ensure understanding of legal obligations.
- Review case law to identify best practices and pitfalls in fulfilling the duty to support.
- Consult legal experts to clarify complex legal issues and develop strategies for effective employee support.
16:15 EDT
Closing Remarks from the Chair