Understanding the Legal Implications of Remote Work

Lisa Stam, Founder and Managing Partner, Spring Law

Anna Malazhavaya, Advotax Law
Melissa Babel, Babel Immigration Law Professional Corporation
Connie Cheung, Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Michelle Wassenaar, Method Law Professional Corporation

A comprehensive overview of taxation implications, corporate responsibilities, immigration laws, intellectual property rights, and employment standards within remote work environments. Through practical insights and case examples, you will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to navigate and effectively manage the myriad cross‑border challenges present in today’s workplace landscape.

• Taxation considerations
• Corporate concerns
• Immigration law considerations
• Intellectual property ownership concerns
• Application of employment standards

Samantha Seabrook, Seabrook Workplace Law
Dr. Amin Yazdani, Executive Director, Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance, Conestoga College

An in‑depth analysis of the legalities and practical strategies of returning employees to the office, navigating terminations in remote settings, handling stress leaves and accommodation requests, managing issues such as time theft and moonlighting, and effectively addressing health and safety concerns for remote workers.

• Requiring employees to return to the office – the legal position and practical strategies that work
• Terminations and discipline in the remote environment
• Stress leaves and accommodation requests when implementing a hybrid or in‑person system
• Dealing with time theft, moonlighting and side gigs
• Health and safety and compensation claims
• Dispute resolution – tools, tips and effective strategies for resolving conflicts in digital spaces

Trevor Stewart, President, Stoakley‑Stewart Consultants Ltd
Fiona Gardner, Vice President, People Operations, Symcor

Two highly experienced HR professionals will explore the challenges related to remote work with a keen focus on the complexities of attracting and retaining talent.

• Talent retention
• Talent classification – structuring remote relationships

Mark Edgar, Chief People Officer, Wajax
Andy Pushalik, Dentons

In this session, we explore the evolving dynamics of fostering relationships, building strong teams, and maintaining connections in today’s diverse workplace landscape. Our experts will delve into pressing topics such as addressing the dual realities of remote and on‑site workforces, navigating the challenges of maintaining a cohesive organizational culture in a dispersed setting, and maximizing the potential of mentorship and management in remote work environments. You will discover insights and strategies to empower your teams and nurture a thriving organizational culture amidst the complexities of today’s modern work structures

• Addressing the two‑class system that has arisen – those who are able to work remotely, and those whose jobs/duties mean that they cannot
• Building and supporting employee engagement and culture in a remote workplace
• Learners/mentees and managers and mentors – overcoming the barriers and getting the best outcomes in a remote work environment

Kevin Lo, Senior Director, MT>3 a Division of McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Sean Murray, Sr Director, Client Success, Business Cloud Inc.
Lauren Reid, President, The Privacy Pro

Join our panel of experts as they discuss critical topics including outlining employee obligations, addressing cyber threats, and navigating privacy and regulatory challenges effectively.

• Defining the employees’ responsibilities when handling sensitive information
• Mitigating cyber security threats – tools and best practices
• Understanding and addressing the privacy and regulatory issues

Waseem Sinjakli, Founder and Managing Director, Elite Program Management, Calgary
Lexa Cutler, Spring Law

Change management in remote work settings involves navigating transitions effectively, fostering adaptability, maintaining communication, and supporting teams through evolving challenges to ensure productivity and well‑being in decentralized work environments. Our experts share their tips and strategies.

• Recognizing the legal risks around change management
• Best practices, enablers, and pitfalls
• The role of technology in enabling remote work

Lisa Stam, Founder and Managing Partner, Spring Law