Day One: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
10:30 EDT
15 minWelcome and Opening Remarks from the Chair
10:45 EDT
60 min
Duty 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 min
Resolving 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 min
From 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 minExploring Landmark Cases and Best Practices Under Federal Law
- Investigate landmark cases to uncover key legal precedents that shape current practices.
- Analyze the implications of federal law on workplace policies and employee rights.
- Share best practices derived from successful case studies to guide compliance efforts.
- Engage legal experts in discussions to clarify complex legal concepts for practical application.
- Develop a framework for implementing lessons learned from landmark cases in organizational settings.
15:30 EDT
60 min
Balancing 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 minImplementing the Duty to Accommodate in Collective Frameworks
- Establish clear guidelines within collective agreements to outline the duty to accommodate.
- Collaborate with union representatives to ensure mutual understanding of accommodation rights and responsibilities.
- Train management and HR personnel on effective implementation of accommodations within collective frameworks.
- Monitor compliance with collective agreements to uphold the duty to accommodate across the organization.
- Evaluate feedback from employees to continuously improve accommodation processes within the collective context.
11:30 EDT
60 min
Atypical 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 minNavigating Union Responsibilities in the Duty to Support Employees
- Clarify the roles and responsibilities of union representatives in supporting employee rights.
- Engage union members in discussions about their needs and expectations regarding support services.
- Facilitate training sessions for union representatives to enhance their skills in advocating for employee support.
- Collaborate with management to create joint initiatives that promote employee well-being and support.
- Monitor the effectiveness of union efforts in addressing employee concerns and improving support mechanisms.
14:15 EDT
60 minExploring Challenges in the Public Sector When Fulfilling Your Duty to Support
- Identify key challenges public sector organizations face in meeting their duty to support employees.
- Analyze the impact of bureaucratic processes on timely support and accommodation efforts.
- Develop strategies to overcome barriers related to resource allocation and funding constraints.
- Engage with employees to gather feedback on their experiences and suggestions for improvement.
- Advocate for policy changes that enhance support systems within public sector workplaces.
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