Shane Buchanan – Labour, Employment and Human Resources Speaker

Substance use issues present some of the most complex challenges employers face. Topics may include when drug and alcohol testing is legally permitted, which employees may be subject to testing, and the legal considerations surrounding pre-employment, post-incident, reasonable cause and random testing programs. Discussion may also address workplace impairment, employee addictions, safety-sensitive positions and the duty to accommodate. Audiences receive practical guidance on developing defensible workplace policies, responding to impairment concerns, conducting investigations and balancing employer interests with human rights obligations.

Accommodation requests are becoming increasingly complex and often involve competing medical, operational and legal considerations. Topics may include accommodations relating to physical disabilities, mental health conditions, addictions and extended absences, as well as medical information requests, modified duties, return-to-work planning and undue hardship. Audiences receive practical guidance on managing accommodation obligations while maintaining operational effectiveness and reducing legal risk.

Addressing misconduct and poor performance can be one of the most challenging responsibilities facing employers. Topics may include progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, coaching, workplace investigations, suspensions and documentation best practices. Audiences gain practical strategies for addressing workplace issues proactively and creating a fair, consistent and legally defensible approach to employee management.

Termination decisions are among the highest-risk decisions employers make. Topics may include termination without cause, just cause, severance obligations, enforceable termination clauses, common employer mistakes and recent developments in wrongful dismissal law. Audiences receive practical guidance on planning and implementing terminations while minimizing legal, financial and reputational risk.

Indigenous organizations often face unique legal and operational challenges arising from the interaction of federal, provincial and Indigenous laws and governance structures. Topics may include jurisdictional issues, employment contracts, workplace investigations, progressive discipline, terminations, human rights obligations, governance considerations and emerging legal developments affecting First Nations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous economic development organizations and other Indigenous employers. Audiences gain practical insight into navigating complex and evolving legal frameworks.

Employers are increasingly required to respond to allegations of harassment, discrimination, bullying, violence and inappropriate workplace conduct. Topics may include legal obligations, investigation best practices, procedural fairness, confidentiality concerns and post-investigation decision-making. Audiences gain practical guidance on conducting fair, effective and defensible investigations while maintaining a respectful workplace culture.

Employee absences can create significant operational and legal challenges. Topics may include sick leave, disability leave, attendance management, medical information requests, return-to-work issues and employee benefits considerations. Audiences receive practical guidance on managing absences while satisfying accommodation and human rights obligations.

Labour and employment law continues to evolve rapidly. Topics may include significant court decisions, labour relations board rulings, arbitration decisions, human rights developments, legislative amendments and emerging workplace trends affecting employers. Presentations can be tailored to focus on recent developments, sector-specific issues or current challenges facing HR professionals, managers, executives, boards and business owners.