Employment Law Virtual Seminar: Alberta’s Workplace in 2020

Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP

RMRF’s Annual Employment Law Seminar is a two-day interactive event for employers of all sizes and in all industries. 

This year’s fully virtual seminar will span over two half days. The agenda boasts a lineup of timely topics focused on the legal landscape and how it relates to labour and employment in Alberta. Join our Partners and Associates for insightful sessions and breakouts to help you gain insight and tools to navigate recent changes in the workplace, and emerging issues relating to the global pandemic. Our breakout sessions range from 101 style classes to deep-dives from our industry leaders. The seminar will conclude with a bear pit style session where attendees will have the opportunity to get answers to important questions from our Panel of Pros.This seminar has been pre-approved by CPHR Alberta for 5 CPD hours.

<h1>Thursday, November 19, 2020</h1><h3>OPENING PLENARY SESSION</h3>12:00pm - 1:15pmKeeping Up with the Pandemic: Employment Law Changes in Response to COVID-19 (plenary session)This session will provide an overview of the employment law changes which have occurred as a result of COVID-19. The presentation will inform participants of the important legal changes which will continue to impact the workforce, with a particular focus on legislative changes. A variety of topics will be covered, including, employment standards, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, and human rights. Participants will obtain a better understanding of the long-term and temporary changes made in reaction to the pandemic.<h3>Day 1 BREAKOUT SESSIONS</h3>1:30pm - 2:30pm - concurrent sessionsPlanning a Post-Pandemic WorkplaceThis session will focus on the ways in which the pandemic may change workplace norms in the long term. We will look at the impacts of increased flexibility in working remotely, including with respect to supervision, discipline, workplace health and safety and workplace culture.Employment Contracts 101This session is an introduction to contract law principles. In an employment context the elements, formation, termination and other aspects of a contract will be introduced to attendees. The objective of this presentation is to assist attendees in identifying legal issues that they may encounter when reviewing, drafting, or considering employment contracts.2:45pm - 3:45pm - concurrent sessionsEmployees, Dependent Contractors, and Independent Contractors: What’s the difference?The flexible nature of the contemporary economy has required the courts to be flexible when it comes to the characterisation of employment vs contractor relationships. This flexibility makes it difficult for employers and employees to hold a firm grasp on what exactly defines a relationship of employment versus that of a contractor providing services to a business. In this session we will review the differences between employees, independent contractors, and everything in between. We will also discuss how to ensure you are structuring the relationship to accurately reflect the intent of the parties, whether that be a relationship of employment or one of a contractor, and the risks if you don’t.Wrongful Dismissals 101In challenging economic times, employers are often required to reduce staffing levels via layoffs, or to “contract out” services. Understanding the rights and obligations of both employers and employees can protect both parties in these situations and avoid costly litigation. This presentation will provide an overview of the law regarding wrongful dismissals in a non-unionized context, including the distinction between terminations for cause and without cause, the distinction between independent contractors and employees, the Employment Standards Code, calculating the reasonable notice period and pay in lieu, and related human rights concerns.<h1>Friday, November 20, 2020</h1><h3>Day 2 BREAKOUT SESSIONS</h3>9:15a - 10:15am - concurrent sessionsHR &amp; HR: Human Resources and Human RightsExpect to explore the steps in working through a human rights complaint. This presentation will touch on educating employers about the journey which a human rights complaint follows from receipt of a complaint to a tribunal hearing including off ramps to settlement. Additional issues to be addressed will include common types of human rights complaints, a survey of other legal processes which could parallel a human rights complaint as well as statements from the Alberta Human Rights Commission relating to COVID-19.COVID-19 Pandemic Potpourri: Mandatory Vaccinations, Public Health Act, Discrimination, Liability/Negligence &amp; SafetyA review of legislation and case law covering public health, prohibited discrimination, required vaccinations for employees, safety and implications for the workplace.<h3>CLOSING PLENARY SESSION</h3>10:30am - 11:45amAsk the Pros Panel Get the answers you need, from the lawyers you call – ask our employment lawyers questions that arose during the seminar or in the course of your normal work.

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Employment Law Virtual Seminar: Alberta’s Workplace in 2020

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Employment Law Virtual Seminar: Alberta’s Workplace in 2020

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