Oct. 23, 2025 | Sandman Toronto Airport Hotel + Virtual
Workplace investigations gone wrong. Harassment complaints mishandled. Terminations that trigger costly litigation. The legal landscape is more complex than ever, and one misstep can devastate your organization.
Join leading employment lawyers and workplace investigators for practical sessions designed for HR professionals who need real solutions, not theoretical frameworks. Learn the ethical protocols that protect your organization, master the investigation techniques that withstand legal scrutiny, and gain the confidence to handle your most challenging workplace situations.
Presented by HR Law Canada and HR News Canada with the support of our sponsors.
Conference Chair | Employment Lawyer and Mediator (Rudner Law)
Stuart Rudner is an employment lawyer, mediator, author, and educator who represents both employers and employees—bringing a balanced, practical approach to every file. He is the founder of Rudner Law, a boutique firm recognized as one of Canada’s top employment law firms. Stuart has been named to The Best Lawyers in Canada for nine consecutive years and was counsel in the landmark Keays v. Honda Supreme Court case. He also serves as Program Director for Osgoode’s HR Law programs and is a prolific writer, speaker, and trusted media commentator on workplace law.
Publisher, HR Law Canada & HR News Canada
Todd Humber is an award‑winning Canadian workplace journalist and publisher whose career spans more than two decades. As founder and Editor‑in‑Chief of HR Law Canada and HR News Canada, he delivers authoritative coverage of labour and employment developments. Previously, he led Thomson Reuters’ Canadian HR Reporter and related publications, and held editorial roles at several Ontario newspapers. With deep expertise in HR, employment law, and workplace safety, Todd writes sharp insight and analysis, hosts webinars, and appears regularly in media. Educated in history, political science, and journalism.
Founder, Hum Law Firm
Founder of Hum Law, Lai-King Hum is known for expertise in all areas of workplace law. Her practice encompasses employment law, human rights, professional regulation, mediation and litigation. Lai opened her Toronto-based employment law and human rights firm in 2014, having established herself as a leading employment law practitioner at top-tier national firms in Ontario and Quebec. Lai advises and represents Canadian and U.S.- and International -based businesses, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs and individuals in a range of matters in jurisdictions across Canada. She offers legal services in English and French to clients in manufacturing, education, healthcare and financial / banking services. Licensed by both the Ontario Bar and the Quebec Bar, Lai has appeared before various levels of court and tribunals. She is a member of ADR Institute of Ontario, and conducts workplace investigations as well as mediations. Before embarking on a full-scale investigation, Lai first ensures that the client has explored and exhausted all avenues for resolution. She is experienced in resolving internal workplace matters relating to harassment or discrimination, either through investigations or as a workplace mediator. As a mediator in workplace matters, Lai tailors her approach to the circumstances at-hand, but leans towards an evaluative mediation practice model, rooted in her knowledge of the law. In addition to her practice, Lai is a Deputy Judge in the Small Claims Court of the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. She is also one of three Discrimination and Harassment Counsel in the Discrimination and Harassment Counsel Program, a service funded by the Law Society of Ontario.
CEO, Veritas Solutions
Managing Partner, Spring Law
Lisa Stam practices all aspects of employment, labour and human rights law, and has a particular interest in legal issues involving technology in the workplace and the various methods by which people continue to mess things up with technology. She regularly advises clients on the usual employment law fare: domestic and international employment advice, drafting offer letters and employment contracts, workplace policies and handbooks, advising on bonus and commission plans, benefits, workplace privacy issues, independent contractors, confidential and proprietary information, and discipline and terminations. She has also advised on a variety of human rights issues such as accommodating disabilities in the workplace, sexual harassment, discrimination and gender transition. Lisa frequently speaks on and advises clients about the impact, risks and opportunities of technology in the workplace, including social media legal issues, privacy breaches, and ownership of data. She remains perplexed at humanity’s inability to more carefully set their social media privacy settings but continues to enjoy the juicy bits of evidence that could form the basis of a future best-selling novel. Lisa is a member of the Canadian Netherlands Business and Professionals Association, Verity Women’s Business Club and various bar associations (the legal not fun kind). She graduated from the University of Toronto with a specialty in medieval history, and therefore went to law school, graduating from Dalhousie Law School in 2003, and has since been licensed to practice law by the Law Society of Ontario. When not practicing law, Lisa practices adulthood with a spouse, two kids and a dog, hikes outdoors, watches anything historical, and probably enjoys more opera and science fiction than is socially acceptable.
Founding Partner, Muneeza Sheikh Law
Muneeza is one of the leading employment and human rights lawyers in Canada. She is seen as a leader, a tireless advocate (not at all afraid of taking unpopular positions), and a top choice for someone who wants to hire a skilled and talented lawyer that everyone knows (including her opponents). Muneeza’s expansive media profile (spanning over a decade) provides a good glimpse of her expertise in employment and human rights law, but also on other issues of the day. When something important happens in Canada, Canadians often want to hear what Muneeza has to say about it. Where a collaborative resolution is appropriate, Muneeza can settle your case for you. Litigation, however, is where she feels most at home. In her many years of practice, she has appeared before various courts, human rights tribunals (provincial and federal), labour relations boards (provincial and federal), various regulatory bodies, and in a number of private arbitration matters.
Director of Consulting, Citation Canada
Carlie Bell is a strategic change leader, people strategist, and coach with over 20 years of experience spanning corporate, entrepreneurial, academic, and consulting environments. As Director of Consulting at Citation Canada, she leads national initiatives that strengthen HR compliance, leadership capability, and workplace culture across a diverse range of organizations.
Carlie’s work is grounded in the belief that people are the engine of lasting change. She has published her Ph.D.-level research in Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurship and holds numerous advanced certifications, including Certified Change Management Practitioner®, Brain-Based and Results Coach®, AQai® Adaptability Practitioner, and Mindful Leadership® Facilitator.
In addition to her leadership in corporate consulting, Carlie has built and led successful ventures in executive coaching and organizational transformation. Her approach draws on neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and strategic execution to help leaders and teams unlock clarity, resilience, and high performance.
Her key areas of expertise include:
Carlie is a passionate lifelong learner and trusted advisor, known for helping organizations navigate complexity while keeping their people at the heart of progress.
BD Investigations
Fueled by a passion for the human side of business and leveraging a two-decade progressive career in Human Resources and Labour Relations roles in both public and private sectors and in both unionized and non-unionized environments, Tova launched Sage HR Consulting Inc. in 2017. Subsequently recognizing the growing demand for professional and independent workplace investigations stemming from employers’ statutory obligations to investigate claims of workplace harassment, violence, or discrimination, which has accelerated as a result of social justice movements, BD Investigations, a division of Sage HR Consulting Inc., was born. Tova takes great pride in conducting workplace investigations, assessments and restorations that are thorough, impartial, procedurally fair, trauma-informed, and above all else, put people first. She is a member of the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, and the Association of Workplace Investigators. Additionally, Tova maintains status as a licensed private investigator (Ontario) and is honoured to be recommended as a Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigator by The Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying & Harassment Resources. Tova has authored publications touching on various topics related to workplace investigations and conflict resolution, including articles for the Queen’s Industrial Relations Centre: “The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Approach to Workplace Investigations” and “Internal Workplace Investigations: Considerations and Strategies”, and for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario: “Life is not fair. So Why Should The Workplace Be?”
CEO, First30
Amy Davies is the CEO of First30, a fast-growing provider of outplacement and career transition support. First30 is also known for its expertise in onboarding and workforce planning. Amy previously held leadership roles at Unilever, Mars/Wrigley, Grainger, and Rogers. She is currently writing her second book, Creating a Praise Culture: An Employer’s Guide to a More Positive, Productive, and Profitable Workforce, offering practical strategies to embed recognition into everyday work life.
Co-Managing Partner, Ricketts Harris LLP
Andrea Sanche is a commercial litigator and Co-Managing Partner of Ricketts Harris LLP. Andrea is most frequently engaged by private and family businesses on complex contractual and commercial disputes, employment law matters, and fraud cases. Her considerable experience with interlocutory motions, including jurisdiction motions and obtaining and resisting Mareva and Norwich orders, makes her a valuable ally. Although she is a tough and resolute advocate, Andrea’s peers most often remark that she is eminently reasonable, fair-minded, and in possession of a wicked sense of humour. At heart, she is an academically minded legal optimist, who is passionate about redressing injustice of all kinds. She is also intensely involved with various lawyers’ associations (most recently as a member of the Advocates’ Society’s 10+ Committee and TAS’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee) and is a dedicated community volunteer (most recently serving as Treasurer of Planned Parenthood Toronto). A reformed Winnipegger, Andrea never takes herself too seriously, and is predictably skilled at pushing cars out of ditches, jump-starting car batteries, and identifying the difference between a jambuster and a goldeye. Andrea obtained her B.A. (Advanced) from the University of Manitoba, her J.D. from the University of Toronto, and her LL.M. (Honours) from McGill University. Andrea is ranked one of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ – Corporate and Commercial Litigation and one of Post Magazine’s Top Lawyers in Toronto. She is a regular speaker and panelist, having been quoted in the Financial Post, Law Times, and MoneySense. She frequently speaks on issues relating to women and the law, employment law, breach of contract, shareholders’ rights and remedies, and legal procedure and strategy.
Lawyer, Piccolo Heath LLP
Brooke brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, shaped by her time as a policy advisor and legislative assistant to Ontario's Minister of Labour. Her in-depth knowledge of workplace legislation and government decision-making allows her to effectively support her clients. A passionate follower of politics and current events, Brooke stays informed on the latest employment-related developments. With experience guiding both employees and employers through every stage of their employment relationships, Brooke is a dedicated advocate who prioritizes collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes before litigation. When necessary, she has successfully represented clients before tribunals and courts, including the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, and the Superior Court of Justice.
Gain clarity on emerging legal trends, connect with leading experts, and leave with practical tools you can use right away. Here’s what’s in store at Workplace Law Talks.
Start your day with coffee, conversation, connections — and eggs. This informal breakfast sets the tone for the day, giving you a chance to meet fellow attendees before the sessions begin. The hot morning buffet includes:
* Menu subject to change based on availability.
Stuart Rudner
Join us as we officially open Workplace Law Talks. You'll hear from the event organizers and Stuart Rudner, the conference chair, who will set the stage for the day and outline key themes and takeaways.
Lisa Stam
AI is transforming workplaces at breakneck speed, leaving HR scrambling to keep pace while avoiding legal pitfalls. This essential session equips HR professionals with practical strategies for leveraging AI responsibly across the employee lifecycle.
Learn to harness AI for smarter hiring that drives genuine diversity, not checkbox compliance. Discover how to use AI-powered performance insights to deliver unbiased feedback and boost engagement. Master the art of identifying automation opportunities while upskilling your workforce instead of downsizing.
Address the tricky compensation questions when employees use AI to supercharge productivity. Finally, navigate the complex terrain of AI-influenced terminations and employee relations, ensuring your organization stays legally compliant while embracing innovation.
Bob Stenhouse
Coffee and networking break.
Carlie Bell
Contracts matter—but they aren’t the relationship. In the day-to-day realities of managing people, it’s easy for HR and legal teams to lean on policy, procedure, and documentation as the foundation of the employment relationship. But behind every clause is a person. This session explores the tensions between policy, process and human experience—and how to strike the right balance. We’ll examine how rigid adherence to contracts can undermine culture, trust, and retention, especially when used as a shield instead of a tool. Real-world examples will illustrate how to preserve the integrity of your employment agreements while also fostering empathy, flexibility, and dialogue. Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on how to uphold compliance and legal obligations and people-first leadership, without compromising either.
Muneeza Sheikh
This session explores the complex intersection of employee rights, workplace safety, and diversity initiatives in today's employment landscape. Attendees will examine the legal boundaries of free speech in professional settings, understanding when expression is protected and when it may cross into problematic territory. Muneeza will discuss practical strategies for creating psychologically safe work environments where all employees feel secure and valued. The session concludes with evidence-based approaches to building truly diverse teams that embrace varied perspectives while maintaining cohesive organizational culture. Legal precedents, compliance considerations, and actionable frameworks will be provided for immediate workplace implementation.
Brooke Auld
Mitigation 101 explains the legal concept of mitigation in Ontario employment law. When an employee is terminated without cause, they’re entitled to reasonable notice, but they also have a duty to mitigate their losses by making reasonable efforts to find comparable new work. If they don’t, their compensation can be reduced. This presentation will explore the requirements for both employers and employees with respect to mitigation. It is a great primer for understanding how employers can navigate terminations more strategically.
Networking lunch featuring a "Taste of Athens."
Lai-King Hum
Workplace investigations are essential for addressing allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other policy violations. However, these investigations must be conducted with the highest ethical standards to ensure fairness, maintain trust, and protect the rights of all involved. A poorly handled investigation can lead to reputational damage, legal liability, and a toxic work environment.
This presentation will explore the key ethical considerations that arise during workplace investigations, including maintaining impartiality, ensuring confidentiality, upholding due process, and how to manage employees during an investigation. Attendees will learn best practices for conducting investigations that are not only legally sound but also ethically responsible. We will discuss common ethical dilemmas, such as conflicts of interest, balancing transparency with privacy, and handling unconscious bias.
Tova Bar-Dayan
Recent legislative efforts in Canada have sought to proactively address employee psychological health risk factors via workplace culture assessments. Assessments can be a powerful alternative to reactive workplace investigations, as unlike investigations, assessments reveal trust gaps and sources of conflict, which better informs targeted interventions towards positive HR outcomes such as higher engagement, better diversity and inclusion, improved retention, and boosted organizational performance.
In short, workplace culture assessments are a recommended endeavour in creating workplaces where employees feel valued and safe, empowering HR teams to move beyond compliance and deliver lasting cultural transformation.
A networking and coffee break.
Stuart Rudner
Andrea Sanche
Employers increasingly face requests to accommodate employees who identify as neurodivergent—those whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms. These complex concepts present unique challenges within employment law and regulation. This session addresses frequent client issues and provides practical strategies and best practices, including:
Purchase by Oct. 17, 2025 to receive discount. 100 seats available.
82/100
Virtual attendance only. Includes access to livestream and recordings. 500 Seats Available
487/500
Applies to purchases after Oct. 17, 2025. Book early to get discounted rate of $295
82/100
55 Reading Court, Toronto, ON M9W 7K7
