Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

The Legal Framework – A Comprehensive Overview of the Applicable Laws 

• Human Rights Code
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Pay Equity Act
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• The risks of legal non-compliance 

Recognizing and Tackling Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Indigenous Racism in the Workplace:

Panel Discussion

In our inaugural session, our experts will participate in a panel discussion centered on the identification and combatting of anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Join us for insightful conversations on fostering a more inclusive workplace.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality recognizes that each individual undergoes distinct experiences of discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of considering all factors that can contribute to marginalization, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, physical ability etc. 

Making the Business Case for EDI – Driving Progress and Delivering Through Diversity

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral aspects of contemporary business strategies, driven not only by ethical considerations but also by a compelling business case. Organizations that actively prioritize and champion EDI initiatives stand to gain several tangible benefits that contribute to their overall success and sustainability. This interactive session explores the practical advantages in adopting such an approach. 

Faculty
Rich Appiah, Appiah Law
Carey Calder, Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Michael Charles, Associate Vice-President, Innovation, Inclusion, Reconciliation & Healing, Centennial College
Nana Yanful, Yanful Law
Danielle Bisnar, Cavalluzzo LLP
Ozlem Yucel, Turnpenney Milne LLP
Ingrid Wilson, Founder and Principal, GridFern Strategic HR 

Measure What You Do, Do What You Measure – Conducting Effective Equity Audits

• Examination of written employment policies/procedures
• Reviewing equity related data
• Conducting employee surveys and/or focus groups
• Analyzing equity related data – human rights complaints, harassment complaints
• Consulting with senior leaders, human resources, and union representatives
• Identifying barriers
• Developing recommendations 

The Impact of AI in the DEI Space 

It is imperative that EDI professionals understand the potential benefits of AI to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and also to effectively manage risk. 

Critical Role Played by Internal Communications in Effectively Implementing an EDI Strategy

• The importance of transparency and accountability in the communication process
• Setting clear goals
• Identifying stakeholders and executing effective change management strategies
• Targeting your message to make it effective
• Determining the threshold of excessive communication
• Addressing diversity fatigue to prevent counter-productive communication 

Workplace investigations – Investigating Allegations of Racism, Systemic Racism, Prejudice and Bias in the Workplace

• What type of evidence is required?
• Complexities in assessing credibility and reliability of evidence
• Identifying/defining microaggressions
• Examples of systemic discrimination and harassment, stereotyping and racial profiling
• Unconscious/implicit bias
• The importance of a trauma informed approach

Faculty
Shane Todd, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Michelle Grocholsky, CEO & Founder, Empowered EDI
Hena Singh, Singh Investigations & Mediations; Singh Lamarche LLP
Nathaniel Marshall, Marshall Workplace Law
Aleksandra Pressey, Williams HR Law LLP
Kirsten Pennington, McMillan LLP
Wendy Reid, Reid and Write Communications

Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Employees with Disabilities – A Comprehensive Overview

• What is an inclusive environment?
• Facts and figures – the business case for creating an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities  
• Relevant provisions in the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act 2005
• Recruitment, interviewing and assessment
• Informing employees of supports; accessible formats and communication supports
• The accommodation process – a collaborative approach
• The return-to-work process
• Performance management/career development and redeployment 

Case Study – Accommodating Employees with Disabilities at Home Depot Canada

Duty to Accommodate: Hands-On Workshop 

In this hands-on workshop session featuring two scenarios, our facilitators will highlight common challenges facing human resource professionals, and will highlight the governing legal principles, best practices to adopt and how to avoid common pitfalls that may arise in the accommodation process. 

Faculty
Lorin MacDonald, OOnt, LSM, JD, Principal, HearVue Inc.
Wade Poziomka, Ross & McBride LLP; Chair of the Niagara Community Legal Clinic Board of Directors
Sharon Naipaul, Strategic Workplace Equity & Conflict Resolution Solutions

The Crucial Role of Leadership – Understanding Workplace Culture (and the Responsibility for Shaping it) and Talking Truth to Power

Identifying and Overcoming the Resistance Backlash: Practical Strategies Workshop

In this hands-on workshop session you will explore what are effective strategies for managing resistance to EDI. These include making the business case, explaining the legal perspectives, focusing on human values, effective communication, and responding to feedback 

Ways to Continue to Progress EDI Initiatives – Our Experts Share Their Experiences 

How to be a Champion – Emphasizing a Holistic Approach to the Subject Matter and Practical Solutions to Get There 

For the final session, our Advisory Board look at ways human resource professionals can continue to keep moving the needle in the right direction, how to be a champion for EDI and, importantly, how to avoid burnout. 

Faculty
Birju Dattani, Director of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Centennial College
Olivia Nuamah, National Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Leader, PwC Canada
Kirk Merrett, Director, Human Resources & Administration, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp
Carey Calder, Founder & Principal, Nakanagis Inc.
Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, Assistant Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough Department of Health and Society
Wade Poziomka, Ross & McBride LLP; Chair of the Niagara Community Legal Clinic Board of Directors
Michelle Grocholsky, CEO & Founder, Empowered Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultants
Jason Murray, President and Managing Partner at BIPOC Executive Search
Paula Whitlow, Director of Truth and Reconciliation, Region of Waterloo
Laura Williams, LL.B, CSP, Williams HR Law LLP
Zoya Zayler, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Canada