
Cell: 416.458.1289
24 Hour: 416.420.0738
University of New Brunswick,
Bachelor of Laws
Trent University, Bachelor of Arts
Shana French
(she/her)Recognized as a leading lawyer by Lexpert® and Who’s Who Legal® (National Leader), Shana’s sophisticated expertise includes the representation of employers in several areas of employment and labour law, with particular emphasis on multinational entrance into Canada, compliance and risk management, policy globalization, executive and non-executive compensation, human rights and accommodation, workplace investigations, grievance arbitration and wrongful and constructive dismissal. Shana is frequently asked to chair and speak at national conferences and for employer associations and clients. Says Who’s Who Legal®: Shana is a strong negotiator with excellent judgement who possesses the ability to cut through the clutter and address the heart of each and every matter.
Prior to joining Sherrard Kuzz LLP, Shana was Legal Counsel to a telecommunications company publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Shana is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association (Administrative Law, Labour & Employment, CCCA/Corporate Counsel, Privacy and Access to Information, Civil Litigation, Constitutional, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation), and International Warehouse Logistics Association.
Areas of Focus:
- Advising Multinational and Multi-Jurisdictional Employers
- Attendance Management
- Collective Agreement Administration
- Pensions and Benefits
- Employee Relations
- Employment Contracts (including Independent Contractor Agreements)
- Employment and Labour Issues in Corporate Restructuring and Transactions
- Employment Screening and Hiring
- Employment Standards
- Executive Employment Agreements and Compensation
- Human Rights and Accommodation
- Labour Relations and Industrial Relations Board Proceedings
- Management Training
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Privacy
- Sale or Closure
- Workplace Audits
- Workplace Investigations
- Wrongful and Constructive Dismissal Litigation
Publications & Media
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Fast-changing law means employers should review their employment contracts now
September 07, 2022
Law Times
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Perfection not the standard in legal drafting when parties’ intentions clear
November 12, 2021
Canadian Lawyer
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Beware the ‘inducement increase’ when recruiting a new employee
September 17, 2021
Canadian Lawyer
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Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination in the Workplace
April 02, 2021
Canadian Lawyer
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Decision on constructive dismissal a game breaker
November 26, 2019
Lawyers Daily
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November 25, 2019
Briefing Note
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Random Drug and Alcohol Testing: Post-legalization of Cannabis
November 2019
Dialogue
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Is Sex Addiction a Disability Employers Must Accommodate?
July 13, 2019
Benefits Magazine
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June 14, 2018
Briefing Note
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Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Finds Age-Based Benefit Entitlement Unconstitutional
June 04, 2018Briefing Note
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When It Is Past Time For The CEO to Leave
May 2018
Lexpert Magazine
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Can HR Fire an Employee for Bad Body Odour
March 28, 2018
Human Resources Director Canada
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Former tax lawyer takes feds to court over pension payout
January 30, 2018
Canadian Lawyer Legal Feeds
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January/February 2019
Lexpert Business of Law
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How do you tell an employee to dress more professionally?
January 22, 2018
HRD Canada
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December 4, 2017
Canadian Lawyer
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December 2017
Make It Our Business
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Roll ahead with workplace pot policies
October 16, 2017
Law Times
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Four key pre-employment steps and precautions – Canadian courts offer guidance to employers
September 4, 2017
HRReporter
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Workplace Violence and Harassment – Understanding a Municipality’s Risks and Obligations
July 2017
Municipal Liability Risk Management
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Mental Health Accommodation: Taking a New Approach
April 17, 2017
Canadian HR Reporter
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One Pioneer And The Fight For LGBTQ Inclusion At A Beloved Summer Camp
March 9, 2017
Huffington Post
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The “Women’s Strike”: What employers need to know
March 7, 2017
Canadian Business
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Do You Have To Pay A Bonus Following Termination of Employment
February 20, 2017
HRReporter, Thomson Reuters
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Doing away with a pecking order – “park the ego” in order to have successful collaboration
May 20, 2016
The Lawyers Weekly
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Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite…. Protecting the Corporate Brand and Employees
January 6, 2015
Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association
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Scandals Ignite Conversation About Sexual Harassment in Canada
November 24, 2014
SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management
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Spring/Summer 2014
Executive Series Digest
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What does your tip-out policy say about you?
November 27, 2013
Canadian Employment Law Today
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What does your tip-out policy say about you?
October 21, 2013
Canadian HR Reporter
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Don’t let the bedbugs bite – Protecting the corporate brand and employees
September 25, 2013
Canadian Employment Law Today
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June 2013
Canadian HR Reporter
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Ontario’s human rights regime: No ‘crisis’ nor reason for ‘complacency’
April 17, 2013
Canadian Employment Law Today
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Ontario human rights regime gets passing grade
January 28, 2013
Canadian HR Reporter
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May 30, 2012
Canadian Lawyer
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Navigating the minefield of workplace depression
May 14, 2012
Canadian Lawyer
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Managing risk starts with paperwork
January 2012
The Bottom Line
Speaking Engagements
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12th Human Rights Summit
December 05, 2023
Law Society of Ontario
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Preventing discrimination, harassment, bullying & violence in the workplace
November 21, 2023
Infonex
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Hot Topics in University and College Labour Law: Academic freedom, privacy, discipline, harassment, contract terms and Charter challenges
September 26, 2023
Lancaster House
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The Future of Remote Work – Practical Considerations for Employers
June 7, 2023
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview -
Preventing discrimination, harassment bullying & violence in the workplace
November 15, 2022
Infonex
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Mental Health in the Academy: Obligations and Opportunities for Employers
November 3, 2022
2022 FBS Annual Conference
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3rd Annual Canada Labour Code Compliance 2022- Complying with New Federal Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations
May 9, 2022
Infonex
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Hello – Goodbye: Best Practices When Hiring and Managing Departures
December 8, 2021
HR Review Breakfast Seminar
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Hello – Goodbye: Best Practices When Hiring and Managing Departures
December 8, 2021
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview -
10th Annual Human Rights Summit (Webcast)
December 2, 2021
Law Society of Ontario
Co-Chair -
Post-pandemic demands for reasonable accommodation: How to respond?
November 9, 2021
Canadian Association of University Business Officers
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(Practice management) Working remotely
October 22, 2021
Colloquium Sudbury
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The Unimagined Strategic plan: Remote Work & Vaccination Policies in the Evolving Canadian Workplace
August 24, 2021
Employment Law Alliance
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Canadian Business Immigration: Cross-Border Travel and Employee Mobility in Pandemic Times
July 08, 2021
Employment Law Alliance
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Workplace Accommodation and COVID-19
April 21, 2021
CCCA Conference 2021
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9th Human Rights Summit
December 02, 2020
Law Society of Ontario
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COVID-19 – Practical Strategies to Mitigate Employment Risk and Leverage Goverment Programs – Sherrard Kuzz LLP and Thorsteinssons LLP
October 08, 2020
Sherrard Kuzz LLP and Thorsteinssons LLP
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Critical New Developments in Employment Law
September 24, 2020
Toronto Lawyers Association
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The Certificate in Labour Relations
August 20, 2020
Ryerson University and Lancaster House
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Canada’s Return to New Workplace
June 17, 2020
Employment Law Alliance (ELA)
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A Balancing Act: Working from Home May Require Accommodation
June 16, 2020
Faculty Bargaining Services (FBS) \ Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
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COVID-19 – Mitigating Workplace Risk and Leveraging Government Assistance
May 1, 2020
Sherrard Kuzz LLP – Zoom Webinar
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Coronavirus and the workplace: The Asia Experience (North America)
March 4, 2020
Employment Law Alliance
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Just What the Doctor Ordered: An Annual Labour and Employment Check-Up for Employers
February 26, 2020
Sherrard Kuzz LLP – HReview
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Canada YIR Webinar
January 15, 2020
Employment Law Alliance
-
8th Human Rights Summit , Co-chair
December 3, 2019
Law Society of Ontario
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Out With The Old, In With The New: 2018 Year in Review & What to Expect in 2019…
December 5, 2018
Sherrard Kuzz LLP, HReview Seminar
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7th Annual Human Rights Summit
December 4, 2018
Law Society of Ontario
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Effective Management of Sexual Harassment Complaints
November 1, 2018
2018 FBS Summit and Annual Conference
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Drugs (including Cannabis) in the Workplace – Employer Rights and Obligations – Best Practices to Protect Your Workplace
June 6, 2018
Sherrard Kuzz LLP, HReview Seminar
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Cannabis – Rolling With It In The Workplace
April 19, 2018
Verity International Limited
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Legal Aspect of Health & Safety
March 21, 2018
Canadian Manufactures & Exporters
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Pot in the Workplace: The Law and How to Prepare
January 24, 2018
ezCPD
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Human Rights Challenges for Small Businesses and Organizations
December 7, 2017
The Law Society of Ontario
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Danger at Work - Responding to violence and harassment by patients, students and others
November 30, 2017
Lancaster House Audio Conference
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Workplace Leave Laws: Strategies to Navigate the Changing Landscape in Canada
October 26, 2017
Employment Law Alliance
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Let’s Talk About Sex: Workplace Indecencies and Indiscretions
September 27, 2017
Sherrard Kuzz LLP, HReview Seminar
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Legal/Medical Marijuana and Drug Testing
May 17, 2017
Employment Law Alliance, North America Client Conference
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Job Re-Design: When does accommodation result in undue hardship?
May 17, 2017
LancasterHouse
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Up In Smoke: The New Era of Workplace Drug Management
April 20, 2017
Verity International Limited
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Managing Attendance at Work: Accommodating employees, respecting rights, curbing abuse
April 11, 2017
LancasterHouse
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Dealing with Employees with Mental Health Issues: Ethical dilemmas confronting employer and union representatives
December 15, 2016
LancasterHouse, Audio Conference
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5th Annual Human Rights Summit
December 8, 2016
The Law Society of Ontario
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Employment Law Update – Effectively managing attendance issues, including sick leaves
December 7, 2016
Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
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What a Difference a Year Makes! Lessons from 2016 & Tips for 2017!
December 6, 2016
Sherrard Kuzz LLP, HReview Seminar
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Substance Use at the Workplace: The scope and limits of accommodation
November 17, 2016
LancasterHouse, Audio Conference
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Managing Health and Disability Related Issues: Mental Health, Aging and Accommodation
November 3, 2016
Faculty Bargaining Services Annual Conference ,Canadian Association of University Business Officers
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Navigating Treacherous Waters – Practical Strategies for Managing Employee Medical Leaves in Canada
September 21, 2016
Employment Law Alliance
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Disability Accommodation Relating to Mental Health and Return to Work
September 7, 2016
Home Care Ontario
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Ethical Issues in Employment Law
June 27, 2016
The Law Society of Ontario
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Here For a Good Time – Not a Long Time: Navigating the Risks of Interns, Volunteers, Temps and Student Employees
April 27, 2016
Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
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Workplace Indecencies and Indiscretions
April 19, 2016
The Canadian Bar Association, Public Sector Lawyers Forum: Free Teleconference
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Developments in Current Family Status Cases & Decisions
February 16, 2016
Infonex Professional Development, Practical Strategies for Facilitating Accommodation and Fostering a Healthy, Productive Workforce, Managing Your Duty to Accommodate
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No offence, but you’re fired!’: When is non-disciplinary suspension or termination appropriate?
February 11, 2016
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Preparing for the Year Ahead: The key cases from 2015 and their implications for 2016
January 21, 2016
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Invisible and Episodic Disabilities
December 2, 2015
Sherrard Kuzz LLP, HReview Seminar
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Major Case Law Update
November 30, 2015
Law Society of Ontario, Law Society’s 4th Annual Human Rights Summit
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Prescriptions for Dealing with Doctors: Getting the information you need
November 26, 2015
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Tough Issues Facing Labour Boards: Statutory freeze questions, health and safety claims, rogue employer remedies, and more
November 24, 2015
Lancaster House
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Social media: A franchise’s best friend and worst enemy
November 4, 2015
Canadian Franchise Association
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The Truth About Consequences: Assessing appropriate discipline
October 15, 2015
LancasterHouse
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Ethical Issues in Employment Law
September 22, 2015
Law Society of Ontario
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Background Checks: Key Issues for Franchise Employers
May 13, 2015
Canadian Franchise Association
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Accommodating Age in the Workplace
March 24, 2015
Law Society of Ontario
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Staying Ahead of the Curve – Update on Employment Law
January 21, 2015
Human Resources Professional Association Annual Trade Show and Conference
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Harassment and the Toxic Work Environment: Examining Rights and Remedies
December 17, 2014
Lancaster House
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Lunch with the Arbitrators Panel
December 4, 2014
Lancaster House and University of Toronto Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Toronto Labour Arbitration Conference
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Privacy v. an Employer’s Right to Know: Hot Issues That Straddle the Can-Am Border
December 4, 2014
Employment Law Alliance, Webinar
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Update on Workplace Harassment and Violence
October 22, 2014
Human Resources Professionals Association, HR Law Conference
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Cyberloafing, Cyberspying: Computer Theft, Privacy Rights
October 8, 2014
Lancaster House
-
Human Rights & Social Media
September 19, 2014
Canadian Association of University Solicitors (CAUS)
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Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation and What It Means for the Homecare Industry
June 16, 2014
Ontario Home Care Association
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Workplace Violence and Harassment Update
June 6, 2014
Law Society of Ontario, The Six-Minute Lawyer 2014
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Dignity and Dollars: Damages and Other Remedies for Harassment and Discrimination
June 3, 2014
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
So Long, but Not Goodbye: The Ins and Outs of Job Protected Leaves
May 8, 2014
Lancaster House
-
Strong Employee Engagement Leads to Better Patient Care: The Business Case and How to Get There
April 10, 2014
Ontario Home Care Association
-
Discharge and Discipline: Top Ten Recent Cases
March 20, 2014
Lancaster House
-
Protect Your Brand Without Becoming Responsible for the Actions of Your Franchisees
January 15, 2014
Canadian Franchise Association, Webinar
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What to Expect When She’s Expecting: A Primer on Pregnancy and Parental Leave
November 28, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Anger Management: Rage As a Health and Safety Risk in the Workplace
November 14, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Cross Canada Labour Law Update
October 4, 2013
Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers
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DSM5: Changing Medical Definitions of Mental Disabilities, and the Potential Impact on Workplace Law
July 10, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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In Sickness and In Health: Managing Employees Illnesses or WSIB Injuries
May 28, 2013
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview Seminar Series
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Medical Examinations: Everything You Want to Know, But Are Afraid to Ask
May 28, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Impact of PSLRTA on Innovation
May 23, 2013
2013 Symposium and AGM
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Out of Bounds: Pranks, Jokes and Horseplay That Cross the Line Into Violence and Harassment
April 11, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Major Case Law and Legislative Update: What Changes in 2012 Will Affect You in 2013?
April 11, 2013
Lancaster House, 2013 Human Rights and Accommodation Conference
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Employment Law Best Practices
February 22, 2013
Languages Canada, 6th Annual Conference
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The Most Important Developments in Labour & Employment Law in 2012 (and What They Mean for You in 2013)
January 31, 2013
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
HR Law Update
January 17, 2013
Human Resources Professionals Association
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Managing Employee Terminations
January 16, 2013
Niagara Hospitality Human Resources Association
-
Major Case Law and Legislative Review: An Expert Update on Recent Developments
December 13, 2012
Lancaster House and the University of Toronto, Toronto Labour Arbitration Conference
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Absenteeism and Disability Management – Reducing Absenteeism and Meeting Legal Obligations with Advanced Strategies
November 27, 2012
Infonex
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Family Matters: Current Cases and Changing Perspectives on Leaves, Shift Work, Child Care and Elder Care
November 1, 2012
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Hot Topics in Canadian Employment Law: A Coast to Coast Review
October 16, 2012
Employment Law Alliance, Webinar
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Effectively Managing Employees on Medical Leave – Considerations for Full-Time and Elect-to-Work Staff
September 27, 2012
Ontario Home Care Association, Webinar
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Protecting the Bottom Line! 8 Ways to Minimize Employment and Labour Risk
August 16, 2012
RetirementHomes.com, Webinar
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The Six-Minute Labour Lawyer
June 12, 2012
Law Society of Ontario
-
Elect to Work Employees: Tips and Traps
May 24, 2012
Ontario Home Care Association
-
Leaves, Leaves, Leaves: Rules for Terminating Employees on Leave
April 23, 2012
Insight Information
-
Mental Illness in the Workplace: Recognizing the Signs, Accommodating the Needs
April 5, 2012
Lancaster House and University of Toronto’s Centre Industrial Relations, 2012 Human Rights and Accommodation Conference, Post-Conference Workshop
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Employer and Employee Rights and Obligations in Disability Claims Conference
February 28, 2012
Insight, Disability Claims Management & Litigation Conference
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Insured Benefits
February 27, 2012
Police Association of Ontario, Annual Conference on Police Employment
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Never Can Say Goodbye – Managing the Older Worker
January 18, 2012
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview Seminar Series
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Holiday Party – Do’s and Don’ts
December 7, 2011
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Accommodating Learning and Cognitive Disabilities in the Workplace: Innovative Approaches, Trailblazing Decisions
December 1, 2011
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Managing Employee Terminations
November 17, 2011
HR Reporter Webinar, Thomson Reuters
-
Employment Law Update – What’s New? What’s Worth Repeating?
November 15, 2011
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview Seminar Series
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Human Rights Trends – Update
November 15, 2011
Human Resources Professionals Association – Peel Chapter
-
The Importance of Employment Contracts – Avoiding Legal Pitfalls
June 2, 2011
HR Reporter Webinar, Thomson Reuters
-
Insured Benefits: Key Issues Involving Health Spending Accounts, Eligibility Restrictions, Insurance Carrier Changes, Adjustable Drug Formularies and Arbitration of Benefit Claims
May 19, 2011
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Bill 168: An Update on Best Practices for Complying with Ontario’s New Legislation on Violence and Harassment
November 10, 2010
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Disability Related Misconduct and Problems of Underperformance: Dealing with Mental Illness and Addiction
November 4, 2010
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Accommodating Anxiety and Stress: A New Look at Pervasive Issues
October 22, 2010
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Handling Employee Health Information and Privacy Concerns: Do’s and Don’ts
September 10, 2010
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Navigating Through the Recruitment Process and its Attendant Pitfalls; Hiring and Firing Employees
May 26, 2010
Toronto Human Resources Professionals Association
-
Employee References and Background Checks: What to Do, What to Avoid
January 21, 2010
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Frequently Asked Employment & Labour Law Questions – And Then Some!
January 21, 2010
Sherrard Kuzz LLP HReview Breakfast Seminar
-
Theft and Dishonesty at the Workplace
November 27, 2009
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Policy & Strategy Dealing with Substance Abuse
March 26, 2009
Employers Advocacy Council, CanadianManufacturers & Exporters – Business Summit on Workplace Safety and Insurance
-
Workplace Harassment: Conducting the Error-Free Investigation
February 15, 2009
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Workplace Technology Update: The Latest Techniques for Monitoring and Evaluating Electronic Information
November 13, 2008
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Harassment in the Workplace
October 30, 2008
Labour Arbitration Conference, Lancaster House and University of Toronto Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources
-
Discharge: Hot Topics
October 22, 2008
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Accommodating Family Status in the Workplace: The Changing Law
October 2, 2008
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Accommodating Mental Illness and Workplace Stress: Dealing with Invisible Disabilities
May 28, 2008
Lancaster House
-
Workplace Violence, Threats, Bullying and Harassment: New Rules and Responsibilities
December 7, 2007
Lancaster House and University of Toronto, Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources
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Employment & Labour Law Update
October 17, 2007
Human Resources Professionals Association of West Toronto
-
Access to Medical Information – Advanced Session
October 3, 2007
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
-
Employment & Labour Law Update
September 6, 2007
Human Resources Professionals Association of York Region
-
Family Responsibilities in the Workplace: The New Tests
May 8, 2007
Lancaster House, Audio Conference
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Workplace Conduct and Conflict
April 25, 2007
Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association
-
Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Bill 211: Mandatory Retirement Ends – Implications & Proactive Solutions
November 22, 2006
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Ontario Division – Fall Workshop 2006
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Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Tackling Attendance Issues
November 2, 2006
Canadian Manufacturers & Ontario Division – Fall Workshop 2006, Ontario Division – Fall Workshop 2006
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Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – How Companies Successfully Remain Union Free
October 27, 2006
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Ontario Division – Fall Workshop 2006
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Workplace Challenges & Opportunities – Terminations and Wrongful Dismissal Claims
October 4, 2006
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Ontario Division – Fall Workshop 2006