Mental health accommodation workshops coming to communities across Saskatchewan

Labour and employment lawyers Shane Buchanan and Ashton Butler are once again crossing the province to present a series of interactive workshops across Saskatchewan.

Presented in partnership with CPHR Saskatchewan and designed to provide practical, real-world guidance to HR professionals, managers and workplace leaders, these workshops will review a series of case scenarios based on judicial decisions, administrative rulings and real workplace situations involving mental health accommodation. Each scenario will be used to highlight key legal principles, risks and practical considerations in managing accommodation issues.

Participants will be encouraged to engage through guided discussion and questions throughout the session, which will cover:

Duty to accommodate and legal framework

• Overview of the legal framework for mental health accommodation
• When an employer’s duty to accommodate is triggered
• What is considered in evaluating undue hardship

Mental health accommodation in practice

• What qualifies as a mental health disability for accommodation purposes
• How mental health issues typically present in the workplace (attendance, performance, behaviour)
• Difference between a medical condition requiring accommodation and general workplace stress
• Recognizing when an issue may engage the duty to inquire

The accommodation process

• Roles and responsibilities of employers, employees and (where applicable) unions
• Steps in the accommodation process and best practices
• Ongoing monitoring and reassessment

Medical documentation

• An employer’s right to seek medical information
• What information can be requested and how to use it
• Practical tips for managing medical documentation

Common mental health scenarios

• Managing stress and burnout-related absences
• Attendance and performance concerns linked to mental health
• Workplace conflict and behavioural issues where mental health may be a factor
• Managing requests for “mental health days” or “wellness days”

Discipline and termination

• When discipline or termination may be appropriate
• Assessing whether there is a nexus between misconduct and disability
• Culpable vs. non-culpable absenteeism
• Frustration of contract and when the employment relationship may come to an end

Presenters

Shane Buchanan

Shane maintains a general labour and employment practice. With a background in human resources and a CPHR designation, Shane provides an understanding of the issues faced by human resources professionals and provides practical solutions to all areas of labour and employment law, including collective agreement interpretation, workplace policies, discipline and discharge, employment contracts, OH&S, workers’ compensation, labour standards and human rights, including the duty to accommodate.

Ashton Butler

Ashton provides employers with guidance and assistance on all matters relating to labour and employment law. She regularly advises employers on matters including hiring, the drafting and implementation of employment contracts, independent consulting contracts and workplace policies, disciplinary matters, employment standards, terminations and layoff strategy, wrongful and constructive dismissal claims, navigating human rights, harassment and accommodation situations, and defending employers facing litigation. Ashton also conducts harassment and other workplace investigations.

Workshop details

Time: 1–4 p.m. | CPHR SK member fee: $150 + tax | Non-member fee: $200 + tax

• Yorkton – October 20, 2026 | Painted Hand Casino (510 Broadway St. W)
• North Battleford – October 20, 2026 | Western Development Museum (Hwy 16 & 40)
• Swift Current – October 21, 2026 | Coast Swift Current Hotel (905 North Service Rd E)
• Prince Albert – October 21, 2026 | Coronet Hotel Prince Albert (3551 2nd Ave W)
• Regina – November 3, 2026 | The Atlas Hotel (4177 Albert St.)
• Moose Jaw – November 4, 2026 | Western Development Museum (50 Diefenbaker Dr)
• Saskatoon – November 10, 2026 | TCU Place (35 22 St E)

Registration is now open. Secure your seat today!

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