Canadian employment law is always changing, and employers need to keep up. The 26th Annual Ontario Employment Law Conference delivers the legal updates, expert insights, and practical guidance HR and payroll professionals, managers, and business leaders need to stay compliant and confidently manage their workplaces.

For over 25 years, this conference has been the trusted compass for employers navigating HR compliance challenges. It remains a respected and reliable source of guidance for thousands of professionals across Ontario. Its longevity is a testament to its continued relevance, adaptability, and consistent value in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

Learn from Canada’s top employment law experts

The conference brings together partners and associates from one of Canada’s leading labour and employment law firms, collectively offering over 50 years of specialized experience. The speakers are practitioners who tackle employment and labour law issues every day, sharing insights shaped by courtroom experience and hands-on client work.

You’ll hear from Ryan Conlin, Jeffrey Murray, Alison Taylor, Landon Young, Natalie Caballero, Jeremy Schwartz, and Sarah O’Flaherty.

Each brings unique expertise to address the most pressing employment law issues facing organizations today.

What you’ll learn: A deep dive into critical topics

Navigating AI in HR – The new frontier: As artificial intelligence transforms workplace practices, Jeremy Schwartz will explore how HR professionals are using AI for tasks like drafting policies and contracts, and where the technology can fall short. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the legal risks tied to AI implementation, from privacy concerns to potential human rights violations, and learn practical strategies for using AI effectively while staying on the right side of the law.

Medical information management in the modern workplace: Allison Taylor’s session on medical information and doctor’s notes addresses one of the most complex areas of employment law. With hybrid work arrangements and ongoing health considerations, understanding the do’s and don’ts of medical documentation is crucial for maintaining compliance while supporting employee wellbeing.

Employment contract termination – Latest developments: Sarah O’Flaherty will provide critical updates on termination clauses—an area that’s frequently litigated and constantly evolving. You’ll gain insights into recent court decisions, best practices for drafting enforceable clauses, and strategies to minimize wrongful dismissal risks.

Collective bargaining in today’s environment: Jeffrey Murray’s update on collective bargaining will help you understand current trends in labour relations, negotiation strategies, and the evolving relationship between employers and unions in the modern workplace.

Health and safety due diligence: Ryan Conlin will break down what employers need to know about health and safety compliance, including due diligence defenses, risk assessment strategies, and the practical steps necessary to demonstrate good faith efforts in workplace safety.

Employment legislation updates: Natalie Caballero will provide a comprehensive overview of recent legislative changes affecting Ontario employers, ensuring you’re aware of new requirements and compliance obligations.

Vacation time and pay compliance: Landon Young will provide a clear overview of Ontario’s vacation time and pay rules under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, highlighting how they apply in practice—and where employers often get it wrong. From common compliance pitfalls to the risks of “use it or lose it” policies, you’ll gain clear, actionable guidance to help your organization avoid liability and confidently manage vacation entitlements.

Virtual format: Maximum impact, minimum disruption

The virtual format eliminates geographical barriers and travel costs while maintaining the interactive, engaging experience that makes this conference valuable. You’ll enjoy:

• Live Q&A opportunities with expert follow-up responses
• On-demand access to video recordings for future reference
• Downloadable conference materials for continued learning
• Interactive engagement without the constraints of physical attendance

Why you should attend this conference

In today’s complex regulatory environment, the cost of non-compliance far exceeds the investment in staying current. Employment law violations can result in:

• Significant financial penalties
• Reputational damage
• Increased litigation risk
• Decreased employee morale and productivity

This conference provides the practical knowledge and tools needed to proactively address these risks while creating a more compliant, efficient, and supportive workplace.

The 26th Annual Ontario Employment Law Conference represents more than a professional development opportunity—it’s an investment in your organization’s future. Whether you’re an HR or payroll professional seeking to enhance your compliance knowledge, a business owner or manager looking to stay current with the latest developments, or a business leader wanting to understand your legal obligations, this conference delivers the expertise, insights, and practical guidance you need.

With a virtual format designed for convenience and packed with practical insights, this year’s conference offers an efficient way to stay current on Ontario employment and labour law. Register today to gain the knowledge you need to support compliance and confident decision-making in your workplace.