Sixth Annual Labour and Employment Law Forum

Special Cocktail Reception to Follow to Celebrate the 10-Year Anniversary of Crawford Chondon & Partners LLP

Session Descriptions

11:45-1:00
Choice of the following two sessions (All participants will have the opportunity to attend their choice of session):

1. Strategies for Addressing Economic Challenges
   Our panel of experts will provide an overview of employers’ legal obligations and liabilities during economic downsizing, outsourcing, or when changing terms and conditions of employment be-come necessary. Our experts will explore strategies for responding to economic challenges as well as share successful joint Labour/Management initiatives used to respond to economic pressures.
2. Wellness and Safety
   This seminar will look at the changing wellness environment. Our insightful speakers will dis-cuss why wellness programs are needed, and explore what the Top 100 companies are doing. We will further look at when mental stress claims are covered by the WSIB and what interest the Ministry of Labour is taking on wellness, as opposed to their usual strictly safety mandate.

2:30-4:30
Choice of the following two sessions (All participants will have the opportunity to attend their choice of session):

1. Terminations of Employment from Wallace to Honda - 10 Years Later
   This seminar will focus on the evolution of damages at the point of dismissal in light of a number of recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions that have provided much needed clarity to both union and non-union employers. As well, we will provide strategies for minimizing risks and li-ability when dealing with difficult termination issues, including potential constructive dismissals, dismissals for cause and innocent absenteeism. Finally, learn how the use of employment agreements at the time of hiring can substantially reduce these risks.
2. Human Rights – What’s new?
   This seminar will provide an overview of a number of new developments in the area of human rights law. Topics reviewed will include an update on the changes to the Ontario Human Rights Code complaint process, developments in the law of accommodation and drug and alcohol test-ing, and workplace discrimination and harassment.