MLT Aikins is delighted to be the presenting sponsor for CPHR Manitoba's 2024 Legislative Review, taking place on May 2, 2024.

This annual event, hosted at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will feature presentations on critical developments in employment and immigration law that impact the human resources profession.

Presenters will offer valuable insights and practical guidance to help organizations ensure legislative compliance in the workplace. Content is carefully tailored for HR professionals, managers and business owners, providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complex world of employment law. Six of the firm's labour & employment and immigration lawyers will lead sessions: Shandra Czarnecki, Sarah Carr, Reis Pagtakhan, Jessica Jensen, Davis Hirsch and Devin Wehrle.

Shandra Czarnecki will kick things off by reviewing recent employment law developments and highlight key takeaways from recent cases.

Sarah Carr will provide considerations for an aging workforce. According to Statistics Canada, the average retirement age has increased over the last 25 years, presenting unique challenges for employers. To help employers navigate this evolving landscape, Sarah will discuss key legal considerations surrounding an aging workforce. This includes insights on age discrimination, accommodation, retirement notices, performance management and termination – ensuring employers are well-equipped to handle this transition effectively and within the confines of the law.

Reis Pagtakhan and Jessica Jensen will address deploying a workforce across borders and new Canadian immigration rules. At this session, Reis and Jessica will discuss new Canadian and U.S. immigration procedures that affect employee recruitment and retention strategies for companies operating in both countries or multi-nationally. The lawyers will also offer insights into effective immigration strategies for positioning employees and contractors across borders and explore current immigration trends that companies should be aware of and leverage to their advantage.

Davis Hirsch will provide valuable insights into one of the most challenging tasks employers face – how to successfully terminate an employee's employment. To help employers navigate this difficult process, Davis will guide us through the legal and practical considerations to ensure a smooth termination process for all involved parties. This includes a discussion on employment agreements, potential damages, the approach and logistics of termination as well as employer conduct post-termination.

Devin Wehrle will present on hot topics surrounding federally regulated employers. In this session, Devin will cover essential topics for employers governed by federal regulations. This includes recent legislative updates, potential upcoming legislative changes, new case law on paid medical leave and a review of unjust dismissal and pay equity.

The event will conclude with an engaging Q&A panel comprised of members of the MLT Aikins labour & employment team.