HRPA’s Unpacking the Duty to Accommodate: Building Inclusive Spaces Micro-conference

Workplace accommodations aim to enhance accessibility while creating a welcoming and productive workplace for individuals to fulfill their roles safely and efficiently. It also enables employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering a sense of belonging.

The Ontario Human Rights Code states that every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination or harassment, enumerating 16 protected grounds. Employers and business leaders are responsible for reacting to accommodation requests and proactively identifying and dismantling the barriers hindering their team members’ full potential. These requests require a delicate balance — respecting privacy and confidentiality while ensuring that the accommodation process is constructive and supportive. Often, the most significant pain points are not knowing where to start, how to be proactive, and understanding the duty to accommodate. Ultimately, it’s about cultivating a workplace that respects legal compliance while advancing inclusivity for all employees.

Gain timely and valuable insight on navigating the duty to accommodate – register today!

Hot Topics: Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with experts discussing current “hot topics” in the workplace. Gain critical knowledge that will allow you to navigate uncomfortable conversations and address challenging situations confidently. Hear how embracing discomfort sparks personal and professional growth, increasing self-awareness and driving positive change in workplace interactions. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, attendees will learn to engage in transparent and authentic communication to build resilience and promote an inclusive and supportive work environment.

The panel will cover a wide range of critical topics, including:

• The use and regulation of medical marijuana
• Inclusivity and belonging for LGBTQ2S+ employees, including gender-neutral washrooms and issues impacting the transgender community
• The role of service, therapy, and emotional support animals.
• Enhancing trauma-informed understanding and support mechanisms for victims of domestic violence

And lots more comprehensive insights on pressing contemporary issues.

Moderator: Lorin MacDonald (she/her), OOnt, LSM, JD, Principal, HearVue Inc.

Speakers: Angèle Charlebois, Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs Representative; Lai King Hum, Lawyer, Founder, Hum Law Firm; Juliet Chang Knapton (she/her/Mx.), Advocate-in-Residence, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law; Richa Sandill (she/her), Team Lead, Lawyer, Don Valley Community Legal Services; Tamara Sylvester (They/Them/One), Lawyer, Human Rights Consultant, Toronto Metropolitan University; Brittany Taylor, Partner, Rudner Law