Recent Employment Law Developments You Need to Know About
2024-02-08 08:00 - 11:00 UTC | Waterfront Banquet & Conference Centre, 555 Bay Street North, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The legal landscape is adjusting faster than you can say “wrongful dismissal!” Employers are working to adapt to changes in the law, while looking for best practices where the law is silent. Join us as Lauren Bernardi and Suhaib Ibrahim review another year of employment law developments.

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The Inclusive Workplace Series - Module 6: Truth and Reconciliation Practices in the Workplace
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Online
An inclusive workplace in the lands that now make up Canada must recognize that its success, and very existence, were made possible by the dispossession of those who inhabited these lands before us. Promoting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples can be a daily practice that helps foster inclusion.
This module will support you to incorporate reconciliation practices into your workplace through honest and effective land acknowledgements and other tools.
We will cover the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the ongoing process of colonization to lay the foundation for an inclusive future built on trust and respect.

The session will be facilitated by Lauren Bernardi and Kris Noakes who works as a community advocate. Hannah Tarr will also join in on the conversations around Land Acknowledgements. Tanille Turner will be moderating the session.

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Learn more about our guest speaker, Kris Noakes:
Kris is a citizen of the Anishinabek Nation and a member of Nipissing First Nation and a community advocate at the Municipal, Provincial, Federal levels. Her diverse experience includes leading an Indigenous NGO, building Indigenous services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For almost 3 decades, she has also served as a Law Enforcement Officer. Kris has supported community initiatives through Public Appointments on the City of Mississauga and City of Brampton’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committees and the Museums of Mississauga Advisory Committee. Kris has served as a member of the Region of Peel’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Advisory Board (CAB), the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Advisory Circle for the Peel District School Board (PDSB), the Toronto Area Education Leads for the Indigenous Education Office of Ministry of Education and as a Director for Art Gallery of Mississauga. She has been a guest speaker at various universities and colleges, national sports events, corporations, governments and at the United Nations General Assembly.
Kris currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, on the Board of Directors at Theatre Aquarius, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Dundas Board Chair and has recently finished her second term appointment as a member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for the GTA. As a person living with the terminal disease ALS, she is a member of ALS Canada’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Hamilton based charity event, the Revolution Ride.

Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program (FULL)
2024-04-08 09:30 - 2024-04-18 16:30 | Online
The Workplace Investigations Training & Certificate Program is an in-depth program that effectively equips participants with the ability to recognize, investigate and report the findings of complex workplace investigations.
Note: This program offering is currently full. For more information and other date options, please click the button below.

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Intersectionality in Action: how an intersectional lens can help build an inclusive municipal workplace
2024-04-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Niagara, ON
There’s no “one size fits all” approach to inclusion. Creating an inclusive workplace requires treating employees as individuals and respecting their unique experiences, which arise from complex combinations of relationships and identities.
This session will explore the concepts of intersectionality and marginalization and how systems embedded in municipal workplaces can differently impact employees’ experiences of inclusion.
These aren’t esoteric concepts. They’re deeply practical. We will guide participants to examine workplace systems, structures, practices, policies and benefits through an intersectional lens, as a springboard for change that creates a truly inclusive workplace.
Lavinia Latham and Hazem Mossa will be speaking at the OMHRA Spring Workshop on this topic on April 17, 2024.

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Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program (FULL)
2024-05-06 09:30 - 2024-05-16 16:30, 2024-06-10 09:30 - 2024-06-20 16:30 | Online
The Workplace Investigations Training & Certificate Program is an in-depth program that effectively equips participants with the ability to recognize, investigate and report the findings of complex workplace investigations.

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Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program (FULL)
2024-07-08 09:30 - 2024-07-18 16:30 | Online
The Workplace Investigations Training & Certificate Program is an in-depth program that effectively equips participants with the ability to recognize, investigate and report the findings of complex workplace investigations.
PROGRAM IS FULL

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Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program
2024-09-09 09:30 - 2024-09-19 16:30, 2024-10-17 08:00 - 2024-10-28 17:00, 2024-11-18 09:30 - 2024-11-28 16:30 | Online

The Inclusive Workplace Series - Module 8: Religious Literacy and the Welcoming Workplace
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Online
Religion can be an uncomfortable or sometimes even a taboo topic. In this talk, we explore the cost this silence can impose on staff and how certain cultural lenses can distort our ability to see one another clearly. We will make the case for religious literacy’s value both personally and professionally while discussing practical steps to make our workplaces more inclusive for all.
Facilitated by Brian Carwana
Brian is the Executive Director of Encounter World Religions, a charity that promotes religious literacy. He has spent 25 years exploring and learning about ethno-religious communities and has a PhD from the University of Toronto. He consults on religious literacy and inclusion to governments, police, educators and for-profit firms in multiple sectors. He blogs about religion at a personal site (ReligionsGeek.com) and cherishes Encounter’s annual Discovery Week where 50 participants explore 11 religions in one week with classes and almost 20 site visits.

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Advanced Credibility Assessments: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Workplace Investigations
2024-11-07 09:00 - 14:30 | Online
Assessing parties’ and witnesses’ credibility is one of the most challenging parts of workplace investigations. But it’s an essential skill for your investigations to be robust and legally defensible. In this advanced workshop, our expert investigators will equip you with the skills to assess credibility and reliability effectively. Among other topics, we will discuss (and apply, using complex case studies) factors to use when assessing credibility, strategies to overcome common pitfalls, and how to assess credibility through a trauma-informed lens.

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Advanced Report Writing for Workplace Investigations
2024-12-04 09:00 - 14:30 | Online
Completing a workplace investigation is only the first step. Communicating your findings in a report is also essential. Many internal decision-makers and stakeholders rely on your reports, while parties, unions, judges and arbitrators may scrutinize them. The report needs to be neutral, concise and legally defensible, but also engaging, practical, and clearly communicating your intended messaging. This advanced workshop will provide you with the essential tools and insights to enable you to organize and write effective investigation reports.

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Investigating Workplace Harassment in Policing: A Certificate Program
2025-02-11 09:00 - 2025-02-13 16:00 | In person (GTA)
Conducting workplace harassment investigations can be challenging. Investigators need to understand the law, the psychology of harassment and the differences between a harassment investigation and a criminal investigation.
This course is specifically geared to harassment investigations in the police service.
Who should attend: internal investigators and HR professionals in the police sector

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Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program
2025-09-15 09:00 - 2025-09-25 16:30 | Online
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), this comprehensive program delves into the legal frameworks, psychological dynamics, and practical methodologies necessary for conducting impartial and effective workplace investigations. Through interactive online sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the confidence and competence to navigate investigations with integrity and precision.
Dates: September 15, 18, 22, 25, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Registration closes: September 12, 2025 3:00pm
For more information: workplace-investigations

Investigating with Impact Free Webinar Series
2025-10-08 12:00 - 2026-04-01 13:00 | Online
Workplace investigations keeping you up at night? You’re not alone — and this series is here to help.
HR professionals, internal investigators, law enforcement, and health and safety teams are being asked to manage complex cases with limited support. The stakes are high. When investigations fall short, the legal and reputational risks can be significant.
We’ve heard from many of you about the challenges: credibility assessments, trauma-informed interviews, bias, and report writing that holds up under scrutiny. These are difficult tasks, and too often, investigators are left without the guidance they need.
That’s why we created Investigating with Impact, a free webinar series designed to help you lead investigations that are fair, defensible, and psychologically safe.
What’s included:
1. Credibility assessments when it’s one word against another
2. Writing reports that stand up to legal review
3. Investigating sexual misconduct with sensitivity and impartiality
4. Spotting and mitigating bias
5. Applying trauma-informed practices throughout the process
6. Managing real-world challenges like anonymous complaints and uncooperative witnesses
Details:
– Starts October 2025 through April 2026
– One-hour sessions over lunch, and free to attend
– For broader HR and investigations community and a separate tailored track for police services
– Led by experienced lawyers and investigators
– Includes live Q&A, polls, and practical tools
If you’re looking to strengthen your investigation skills and approach your next case with clarity and confidence, we invite you to join us.

Register Now!

Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program
2025-10-20 09:30 - 2025-10-30 16:30 | Online
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), this comprehensive program delves into the legal frameworks, psychological dynamics, and practical methodologies necessary for conducting impartial and effective workplace investigations. Through interactive online sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the confidence and competence to navigate investigations with integrity and precision.
Dates: October 20, 23, 27, 30, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Registration closes: October 17, 2025 3:30pm
For more information: workplace-investigations

The Osgoode Certificate in Workplace Mental Health Law
2025-11-04 09:00 - 2025-11-25 16:00 | Online
Creating and maintaining a mentally healthy workplace has never been more important.
Designed and taught by legal and mental healthcare experts, this intensive, practical certificate program is ideal for those who seek to better understand the applicable laws bearing on mental health issues in the workplace and to make use of the processes and best practices for reducing legal liability, while creating and maintaining a psychologically safe workplace.
Program Directors:
Lauren Bernardi
Brian Gottheil
Dates: November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information: Osgoode Certificate in Workplace Mental Health Law

Advanced Report Writing for Workplace Investigations
2025-11-06 09:00 - 14:30 | Online
Pre Requisite: This program is for HR professionals and other internal workplace investigators who have already completed the Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program or an equivalent.
Completing a workplace investigation is only half the job—how you document and communicate your findings is just as important. Investigation reports serve as critical decision-making tools for internal stakeholders and can face scrutiny from unions, arbitrators, and the courts. A poorly written report can weaken a case, while a well-structured, clear, concise, and legally sound report strengthens credibility and ensures transparency. This advanced workshop equips HR professionals and workplace investigators with the tools and insights needed to write effective, well-organized, and defensible investigation reports. Learn how to streamline the process, assess credibility, and craft compelling reports that tell a clear and structured story.
Speaker: Brian Gottheil
Date: November 6, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 2:30pm
Registration closes: November 5, 2025 3:00pm
For more information: HRPA Advanced Report Writing

LSO Workplace Investigations Summit 2025
2025-11-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
The work of workplace investigations is everywhere for legal professionals these days. Whether you advise a party to an investigation or conduct one yourself, you need a strong grasp of the substantive law related to these events. You also need to know how to respond to procedural issues and ethical challenges that often arise. Join us for this informative program where our presenters dissect the fundamentals of conducting a fair and accurate workplace investigation and give you valuable information on how to follow the right steps in your work in this area.
Co-Chairs:
Lauren Bernardi, Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP
Paul Cassan, Wishart Law Firm LLP
Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information: Law Society of Ontario Workplace Investigations 2025

Transforming Toxic Teams
2025-12-03 09:30 - 12:45 | Online
Conflict happens. The question is: what comes after?
Join us for Transforming Toxic Teams — a practical webinar for HR leaders, managers, and legal advisors navigating workplace conflict and harassment.
We will explore:
· Effective assessments to diagnose workplace culture challenges
· Identifying common barriers to positive workplace cultures
· A “toxic teams toolkit” of interventions to overcome common barriers
· Applying the “toolkit” to create restoration plans for complex, realistic scenarios and case studies
Details:
· Led by experienced lawyer and workplace restoration expert
· Live on Zoom
· HRPA CPD Hours Approved

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Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program
2026-01-12 09:30 - 2026-01-22 16:30 | Online
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), this comprehensive program delves into the legal frameworks, psychological dynamics, and practical methodologies necessary for conducting impartial and effective workplace investigations. Through interactive online sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the confidence and competence to navigate investigations with integrity and precision.
Dates: January 12, 15, 19, 22 2026
Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Registration closes: January 9th 3:00pm
Training: 18 CPD; Report: 4 CPD (Subcategory A4. Self-directed Learning) Hour(s)
For more information: workplace-investigations

Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program
2026-02-23 09:00 - 2026-03-05 16:30 | Online
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). This comprehensive program delves into the legal frameworks, psychological dynamics, and practical methodologies necessary for conducting impartial and effective workplace investigations. Through interactive online sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will gain the confidence and competence to navigate investigations with integrity and precision.
Dates: February 23, 26, March, 2, 5 2026
Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Registration closes: February 20th 3:00pm
Training: 18 CPD; Report: 4 CPD (Subcategory A4. Self-directed Learning) Hour(s)
For more information: workplace-investigations

Certificate in Workplace Accommodations Management
2026-04-14 09:30 - 2026-04-16 16:30 | Online
This certificate program was developed in collaboration with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Handling workplace accommodations is one of the most challenging and nuanced responsibilities in HR. While legal principles may seem straightforward, real-world cases often involve complexities, grey areas, and unexpected challenges—requiring HR professionals to balance employee needs with operational realities and legal compliance. This interactive certificate program provides HR professionals with the tools, strategies, and confidence to manage even the most difficult accommodation cases. Through hands-on activities, case studies, and group discussions, you’ll learn practical approaches to handling accommodations related to physical disabilities, mental health concerns, religious practices, and family obligations.
Why This Course Matters for HR Professionals

Ensure Legal Compliance & Reduce Risk – Learn how to fulfill the duty to accommodate while mitigating legal exposure.
Manage Complex & Sensitive Cases – Develop the skills to address challenging accommodation requests with confidence and consistency.
Balance Employee Needs & Business Operations – Gain strategies to find solutions that work for both employees and employers.
Engage in Practical, Hands-On Learning – Work through real-world case studies and group exercises to apply accommodation principles in HR decision-making.

Detailed Agenda of the Program
Day 1: Principles of Accommodation – April 14, 2026 (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Day 2: Accommodating Disability-Related Needs – April 14, 2026 (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Day 3: Accommodating Creed and Family Status Needs – April 14, 2026 (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Registration Closes: April 13th 3:00 PM

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13.5 CPD Hour(s)

For more information: HRPA Registration

Investigating Workplace Harassment in Policing
2026-04-21 09:00 - 2026-04-23 16:00 | Courtyard Mississauga – Airport Corporate Centre West, 5050 Creekbank Rd,, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5R2, Canada
Gain essential skills and knowledge for conducting legally sound, trauma-informed investigations into workplace harassment and discrimination, empowering you to uphold justice and fairness in your police service.
Price: $2,925 + HST
Discount: Get 10% off if two people from the same service register

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Special Accommodations Rates Available
Participants of the upcoming in-person training are eligible for special rates at: Courtyard by Marriott Mississauga-Airport Corporate Centre West (Training location)
To book or learn more, contact: bernardicentre@hrlawyers.ca

Emerging Challenges in Workplace Investigations: Credibility, Reporting, and the Impact of AI *New
2026-06-01 09:00 - 16:30 | Online
This workshop is developed in partnership with Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Workplace investigations are getting ever more complex, with emerging challenges affecting the investigation landscape. Artificial intelligence is transforming investigation work, investigation reports come under more scrutiny than ever, and credibility assessments remain a persistent challenge.
Keep your investigation skills current, learn how to address core challenges, and ensure your investigations remain strong and legally defensible with this practical, interactive workshop.
Learning Objectives
Credibility

Use credibility assessments to get beyond a “he said-she said” and make a finding in every case

Apply appropriate factors when assessing credibility

Assess credibility through a trauma-informed lens

Reporting

Craft strong, well-supported explanations that hold up under scrutiny to justify legal and factual findings.

Make reports Useful to Stakeholders – Write reports that internal decision-makers can act on with confidence.

Artificial Intelligence

Implement effective and procedurally fair ways for investigators to use AI to improve investigation efficiency

Avoid pitfalls of AI use for investigators

Appropriately oversee AI work product
Recognize and respond to challenges posed by party and witness AI use, such as falsified documents and images, and use of AI to generate answers to interview questions

7 CPD Hour(s)

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For more information: HRPA Website
