Past Events
Wednesday,November 2, 2011
" A Human Rights Perspective on the “Hybrid Approach” "
In late 2002, a reconsideration panel of the Labour Relations Board of B.C. adopted a “hybrid approach” to the class of addiction-related misconduct cases which conceptually blurs what had been the traditional distinction between culpable and non-culpable conduct. The Board ruled that there should be a blend of both culpable and non-culpable responses, and that arbitrators should concentrate on the viability of the employment relationship having regard to all the circumstances. It viewed this approach as offering arbitrators more flexibility in fashioning an appropriate remedy.
Our panel of Guest Speakers to address this topic will be:
Heather MacNaughton, former Chair of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, who will moderate the panel and present her views about the jurisprudential viability of the hybrid approach;
Sharon Kearney, former Vice Chair of the Labour Relations Board, who will address the Board’s policy considerations;
Enid Marion, a Vice Chair at the Human Rights Tribunal, who will discuss the Tribunal’s experience;
Mike Wagner, Managing Partner at Roper Greyell, who will offer the employer perspective; and
Catherine Sullivan, Coordinator for the Advocacy Department at the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, who will offer the union/employee perspective.
The presentation will take the form of mock “hearings” before the “Human Rights Tribunal” and at a “labour arbitration”. The facts that will be argued are in the attached scenario.
We’ll also be holding elections for positions on the Executive Board. As an added incentive to come out for this event, we will be holding a draw for all of those who register and attend the talk on November 2 for two tickets to the Canucks game on December 6, 2011.
VENUE CHANGE: The Plaza 500 is undergoing renovations, so this meeting will take place on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011 at the HOLIDAY INN (711 West Broadway at Heather St.). A no host bar opens at 5pm with dinner at 6:30pm. To guarantee that sufficient food and seating will be available, please make your reservation by October 26, 2011.
This dinner meeting is eligible for 1 hour of Continuing Professional Development credits from the Law Society of BC.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"Debating The Future of Pensions"
Our panel of pension experts will discuss the controversy surrounding pension obligations and the enforcement of pension entitlements. What is the future of CPP and will it affect pension entitlements in other sectors?
Scott Sweatman, a partner and co-founder of Spectrum HR Law LLP in both Calgary and Vancouver, currently serves on the Alberta and British Columbia joint Advisory Group established to help implement new pension standards and legislation. He will present the employers view on pension standard recommendations and what it means to employers and employees.
Brendan Dick serves on the public sector/legal legislative committee of the International Foundation of Employee Benefits, as well as being the Chair of the Municipal Pension Board of Trustees. He is a Director of Pensions and Benefits with the Hospital Employees Union and will provide his point of view, from the Union side.
VENUE CHANGE: The Plaza 500 is undergoing renovations, so this meeting will take place on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 at the HOLIDAY INN (711 West Broadway at Heather Street). A no host bar opens at 5pm with dinner at 6:30pm. To guarantee that sufficient food and seating will be available, please make your reservation by September 7, 2011.
This dinner meeting is eligible for 1 hour of Continuing Professional Development credits from the Law Society of BC.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"The Future of Workplace Dispute Resolution in British Columbia - Report of the BC Law Institute to the Provincial Government"
Please join us for an opportunity to hear Jim Emmerton, LLB, the Executive Director of the British Columbia Law Institute, as he shares his insights about systems for workplace dispute resolution. He recently completed a review of British Columbia's Workplace Dispute Resolution System for the provincial government that included international comparions and consultations with multiple stakeholders. He will share the key contents and recommendations contained in his report and answer your questions.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at The Plaza 500 Hotel (12th Avenue and Cambie Street). A no host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Effective Tools for Making your Case at Administrative Tribunals and Boards"
Please join us for an opportunity to hear from Mr. Justice Bruce M. Greyell, former partner of Roper Greyell LLP and Allan E. Black QC, founding partner of the union side law firm of Black Gropper, as they present their tips about preparing and appearing before Administrative Tribunals and Boards in British Columbia.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at The Plaza 500 Hotel (12th Avenue and Cambie Street). A no host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"Human Rights and Human Wrongs: Avoiding the Pitfalls"
This meeting will focus on current human rights issues in the workplace. Topics will include: ballooning remedial awards; damages for injury to dignity; compensation for lost wages and legal fees; the diligent employer defense; an isolated incident is not necessarily a breach; refusal of a reasonable settlement offer; and reopening decisions when facts are concealed; among others.
Our two panelists for this meeting are:
* Michael A. Wagner, Roper Greyell
* Carol Whittome, Fiorillo Glavin Gordon
The meeting will take place on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at The Plaza 500 Hotel (12th Avenue and Cambie Street). A no host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
"Mental Health in the Workplace: Issues and Solutions"
How do mental health issues affect the workplace? Increasingly managers and union representatives face the challenge of addressing situations where workers have mental health issues. What tools can supervisors, union representatives and on the floor stewards access in order to develop solutions for workers with mental health problems? Margaret Tebbutt will present resource material to address these and other workplace mental health issues at the upcoming BCIRA dinner meeting.
Margaret Tebbutt is the Manager of the Mental Health Works (MHW) program for the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at The Plaza 500 Hotel (12th Avenue and Cambie Street). A no host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"Dealing with Workplace Conflict: When is Mediation Useful?"
Mediation is being used more and more to resolve commercial, family, personal injury and other legal disputes. In some workplaces mediation has become a recognized method of achieving lasting results to differences. The panelists will discuss how to decide when mediation is useful, how to use mediation to resolve conflicts, the role of the union and labour relations/human resources department and how to design dispute resolution processes.
David Merner, Director, Dispute Resolution Office, B.C. Ministry of Attorney General
Judith Walton, Integrated Disability Management Team Member, HRSB-NC
Kevin Payne, Union Representative, COPE 378
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at The Plaza 500 Hotel (12th Avenue and Cambie Street). A no host bar opens at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
To guarantee that sufficient food and seating will be available, please make your reservation by June 12, 2009. We ONLY arrange seating and dinner for advance reservations. Admission without a reservation will not be guaranteed and charged at a higher price. Please see attached form for reservation details. For further information e-mail to nancy.tang@sauder.ubc.ca
At the meeting, we will also hold an election of the BCIRA Executive Officers for the coming year. Candidates and information will be provided at the meeting.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"A Tricky Balancing Act: Employee Privacy Rights and Employer Access to Medical Information"
When do (should) employers get access to medical information? How much information do (should) they get? What happens to this information after they get it? What are employees’ privacy rights? What are the disclosure requirements for a fair hearing? Our two panelists will discuss these and related issues.
Paddy Bradley, Senior Labour Relations Specialist, BC Public Service Agency
Ken Curry, Lawyer, BCGEU
List of Cases on Privacy and Medical records:
BCTF(Korbin) April 14, 2008
2008 BCCAAA No. 47
BCTF(Taylor)
2004 BCCAAA No. 177
Government of the Province of BC v BCGEU
2005 BCCA 14
PSERC v BCGEU (Texiera) (Jackson) (May 12, 1998)
R v Mills
1999 3 SCR 668
Telus (Brown) Feb 15, 2008
2008 CLAD No.7
UFCW v Specialty and Temporary Employees Union
(Dorsey)
2007BCCAAA No. 44
UBC (1984) (McColl) 15 LAC (3d) 151
Vancouver Public Library (Lanyon) Feb 11, 2008
2008 BCCAAA No. 24
West Coast Energy (Hall)
2004 BCCAAA No.341
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
"Damages in Arbitration Cases Post Honda and Keays"
Recent Supreme Court of Canada cases have provided new guidance regarding damages in arbitration cases. We have invited two speakers to address these developments and the implications for employers and unions.
Joan Gordon, Arbitrator
Chris Sullivan, Arbitrator
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"THE DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE:
What you need to know to stay out of trouble"
We have invited two representatives to discuss recent developments with the duty to accommodate. What are the employers’ and unions’ responsibilities? What are the recent changes to these responsibilities? What ‘best practices’ are recommended for employers and unions?
Adriana F. Wills, Harris and Company, LLP
Ken Curry, BC Government and Service Employees’ Union
** The 45th Canadian Industrial Relations Association Annual Conference will be held in Vancouver this year, June 4-6, 2008. More info at: www.cira-acri.ca **
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
"REFLECTIONS OF A THIRD PARTY - A DIALOGUE WITH VINCENT READY"
** A no holds barred dialogue between experienced arbitrators **
What are the three most significant changes (positive or negative) in BC labour relations over the last 10 years?
Looking ahead at BC labour relations and collective bargaining over the next 10 years, what advice do you have for:
•Private and public sector unions?
•Private and public sector employers?
•The provincial government?
Vincent Ready, an experienced labour arbitrator and mediator will share his views in a dialogue with David McPhillips, an experienced arbitrator and academic who will make sure all the tough questions are addressed.
If you have specific questions you would like addressed in the dialogue, please e-mail them to David at dmcphillips@dccnet.com prior to the meeting.
May 9, 2007
"CUSTOMER CONTACT CENTRES IN CANADA:THE CHALLENGES THEY PRESENT"
The integration of the customer contact (call) centres into management operations, which affect both private and public sector organizations nationally and/or outside of Canada, represents a significant trend in the new economy, especially in Canada. Many assume that customer contact centres are non-union; however, union density is significant in several industry sectors. Many of these are effectively competing with lower paid work forces. Labour organizations have to adapt when representing these workers in particular a new group of workers with special human resource management and training needs.
The next BCIRA meeting will examine challenges faced by unions in organizing these workers and provide a management perspective on unionized call centres through comparing with national and international experiences.
Chris Anderson, Regional Coordinator at BCGEU, will share his experience in organizing a large Surrey customer contact centre and the subsequent challenges in negotiating the first collective agreement. Bringing the management perspective will be Dave MacDonald, who represents employers at Fasken Martineau. Danielle van Jaarsveld, a member of the faculty at the Sauder School of Business, UBC, an expert on human resource practices in call centres in Canada and Europe, will compare the British Columbia experience with other jurisdictions. A question period will follow these presentations.
March 27, 2007
"FOREIGN WORKERS IN BC:
ARE THEY NECESSARY? HOW WILL THEY AFFECT BC WORKERS?"
Canada is a nation of immigrants. In the past half century, we have not normally imported many workers for temporary jobs in this country. Recently, this policy has changed. In the face of labour shortages, employers had obtained permission from the Federal Government to bring temporary foreign workers to fill jobs in agriculture and construction. In other Western provinces, jobs in the service and manufacturing sectors have been filled by foreign workers. Employers point to severe shortages in many occupations, while the labour movement asserts that this new supply of labour will undermine standards for Canadian workers. Many policy questions arise—enforcement of Employment Standards legislation, arrangements for travel and housing for temporary workers, their inclusion in
Canadian unions, etc.
The two leading figures in the public debate on this issue will present their views.
Phil Hochstein, President of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, has strongly supported greater use of temporary foreign workers.
Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Federation of Labour has emphasized the risks to the standards of Canadian workers posed by the new programs. The speakers will give their perspectives on these issues. A question period for members of the BCIRA will follow.
May 17, 2006
"US Labour Divided: Why it Happened and
What does it Mean in the US and Canada?"
The most important change in the structure of the North American labour movement in 50 years occurred earlier this year when seven major unions, six of them internationals, including the Teamsters, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and the Carpenters, left the AFL-CIO to form Change to Win. Other unions may follow them.
The goal of Change to Win is to reverse the decline in the numbers and influence of organized labour in the United States by emphasizing the organization of unrepresented workers. Because most of the CTW unions are active in Canada, this split in the labour movement is likely to have repercussions here. So far, the effects of this change in Canada are not clear.
Dr. Elaine Bernard of the Harvard Labor and Worklife program formerly directed the Labour Programs at Simon Fraser and was a union research officer. During her time in Vancouver, she was an active member of the BCIRA.
March 8, 2006
"Key Issues in Collective Bargaining in B.C.: 2006"
This year will be especially active for bargaining in B.C. In addition to several hundred public sector agreements under revision, a large umber of private sector negotiations will occur. What will be the key issues in bargaining this year? Wages, job security, pensions, contracting out?
To answer these questions, two of the most experienced mediators in the province will give their perspectives.
Mark Brown is the Chair of the Mediation Services Division of the B.C. Labour Relations Board. Earlier in his career, he was a senior management negotiator in the B.C. public sector.
Bill Lewis is the Regional Director of Mediation for the Mountain Region of the Federation Mediation and Conciliation Service. Previously he was a representative for the Teamsters in Vancouver.
November 9, 2005
"To Go or Not to Go: Mandatory Retirement in the 21st Century"
Bruce Laughton, Laughton & Co.
Don Jordan, Taylor Jordan
The issue of mandatory retirement at age 65 is emerging in many organizations. Twenty years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada reviewed the issue under the Human Rights Code of BC and declined to abolish the practice. Since then Ontario and the Federal Government have ended the restriction. Many organizations in BC are examining their policies.
To assist them in their decisions, the BCIRA will have a debate on this topic between two prominent advocates, followed by questions.
Bruce Laughton, of Laughton & Co. favours continuing mandatory retirement.
Don Jordan, of Taylor Jordan, argues for its abolition.
Please note the new location: Holiday Inn, Vancouver Centre, at 711 W. Broadway.
As usual, a no host bar will open at 5:00 p.m., and dinner service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Our membership year begins in the Fall. Annual dues remain $35. Please join or renew your membership on the enclosed form.
June 1, 2005
"The Duty to Accommodate – Is It Possible to Collaborate?"
Catherine Kidd, Vancouver Coastal Health
Jude Morrison, B.C. Nurses' Union
Trevor Phelps, Highland Valley Copper
The duty to accommodate employees with disabilities has been difficult for both labour and management. The concept was introduced by the Supreme Court and has evolved substantially in recent years. It applies to both employers and unions in an increasing number of situations. Our next program will focus on successful labour-management programmes to meet this obligation.
Hear from practitioners on the front lines who decided to adopt a problem-solving approach to the often-contentious issues involved in accommodating employees.
Catherine Kidd, Regional Director for Employee and Workplace Safety at Vancouver Coastal Health and
Jude Morrison, Labour Relations Officer with the BC Nurses' Union will discuss how a difficult arbitration convinced them they needed a team approach.
Trevor Phelps, Superintendent Safety and Public Affairs at Highland Valley Copper will share his stories about the system he and the Steelworkers local 7619 have been using successfully for 13 years at their mine near Kamloops
March 30, 2005
"Workplace Privacy and Arbitrators in the 21st Century. An Interactive Session for the Parties"
Privacy and surveillance are becoming a more significant workplace issue in Canada. Technology has made surveillance easier and less expensive to conduct. Legislation now protects some employee rights. So far, very few grievances have reached arbitration to shape the common law of the workplace.
The next meeting of the BCIRA will provide an opportunity for labour, management and arbitrators to discuss privacy issues and perhaps shape future policies. A new meeting format will be used.
All attendees will receive copies of three real life cases. Persons at each table will debate the cases, propose a solution acceptable to an arbitrator and present their solutions to the meeting. Three arbitrator members will then explain how they would rule on these cases. Unhappy parties will be able to express minority views.
President Ken Halliday will preside using a chair and a pistol with blanks (just kidding). To encourage discussion at tables, participants will be assigned a table to ensure a mix of labour and management.
This promises to be a lively session, and we expect a full attendance.
November 24, 2004
"Bill C-45 Says Workplace Safety Violations can be a Criminal Offence"
Geoffrey Howard, Gowlings, Laffleur Henderson
Craig Paterson, Craig Patterson and Associates
David Stewart, Workers' Compensation Board
In 2003, the Federal Government amended the Criminal Code in Bill C-25 to make violation of safety and health regulations criminal offences, punishable by large fines or lengthy prison sentences. Organizations, including corporations, can be held criminally liable for the acts of their representatives. The law was a response to the Westray Mine disaster in Nova Scotia, where 26 miners perished, yet no one was held responsible for safety violations.
Charges were laid in September against a construction supervisor after a worker on his crew was killed in an accident.
What will this new law mean for employers and unions in British Columbia? Are criminal sanctions an effective means to promote occupational health and safety? What levels of an organization are liable?
The WCB now has the power to launch criminal prosecutions under its Act; how will these two systems operate together?
These and other important topics arising from Bill C-45 will be the subject of the program of the next meeting of the BCIRA.
Geoffrey Howard from Gowlings, Laffleur Henderson will present the management perspective.
Craig Patterson from Craig Patterson and Associates is an advocate for stronger health and safety protections for workers.
David Stewart manages investigations by the Workers’ Compensation Board of BC and will explain how the new legislation will affect the WCB.
May 12, 2004.
"Mental Health Issues in the Workplace"
Dr. Larry Myette, Director of Employee and Workplace Health Services, Healthcare Benefit Trust
Shona Moore, Shortt, Moore
Adriana Wills, Harris & Company
There is a growing awareness in Canadian society of the significance of mental health and illness. Many afflictions of this nature can be treated successfully, permitting persons with mental health conditions to be productive citizens, perhaps with some accommodation. In other situations, the symptoms of mental illness become apparent in the workplace. How should employers, unions, supervisors and fellow employees deal with these situations? What intervention strategies are effective in dealing with these problems?
The next meeting of the BCIRA will address some of these issues.
The principal speaker will be
Dr. Larry Myette, Director of Employee and Workplace Health Services at the Healthcare Benefit Trust. Dr. Myette is a specialist in occupational medicine and has extensive experience in advising organizations and employees on assessing, accommodating and managing employees with mental disorders.
Two discussants will describe how they have assisted their clients in dealing with such a problem.
Shona Moore, from Shortt, Moore, has represented unions in these situations.
Adriana Wills, from Harris & Company, has experience acting for employers.
February 18, 2004
"BC's New Privacy Act: How Does It Affect the Workplace?"
Mary Carlson, Director, Policy and Compliance with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for the Province
Janet Toddington, Legal Counsel at Canada Post
Jim Quail, Hospital Employees Union
On January 1 of this year, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) took effect in British Columbia. It applies to organizations in the private sector which are not covered by federal legislation, on which the PIPA is modeled. This legislation contains a number of provisions that will affect employers and unions. Speakers at our next meeting will examine this topic from the perspective of the requirements of the law and the impact of similar legislation on employers and unions in jurisdictions with similar legislation.
Mary Carlson is the Director, Policy and Compliance with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for the Province. She has extensive experience in privacy technology and public policy. She will explain the requirements of the new PIPA.
Janet Toddington, Legal Counsel at Canada Post, will present the management perspective from an organization covered by (Federal) privacy legislation for many years.
A third panelist will address issues raised by privacy legislation from the union prospective.
November 26, 2003
"Bullying and the Toxic Workplace"
Peter Frost, Sauder School of Business, UBC
Connie Kilfoil, Legal Counsel for CUPE - BC
Art VanPelt, Corporate Director Human Resources for Overwaitea Food Group
One of the most significant issues in many workplaces is bullying of employees. This is one sign of a “toxic” workplace. Toxic workplaces can cause severe stress and reduced productivity among managers and employees.
Peter Frost, from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and author of the internationally-acclaimed book, Toxic Emotions at Work, will identify the causes and signs of a toxic workplace and how this climate leads to bullying.
Connie Kilfoil, legal counsel for CUPE – BC will discuss her organization’s efforts to deal with this problem.
Art VanPelt, Corporate Director Human Resources for Overwaitea Food Group will present a management perspective of the problem.
May 26, 2003
"Work - Family Life: Can They Be Balanced?"
Paula Cayley, President & CEO of Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation
Donna Wilson, Vice President of Human Resources at Vancity Credit Union
Dale Lauber, Salary & Indemnity Plan Administrator at B.C. Teachers' Federation
One of the major challenges facing Canadian workers, employers and families is balancing work and family responsibilities. Workers increasingly are concerned with their children’s education and well being, as well as ensuring elderly relatives receive adequate attention.
The BCIRA has assembled a panel of experts to discuss these issues from different perspectives.
Paula Cayley, MSW, RSW is the President and CEO of Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation. She will review the problems clients present to counselors and the research sponsored by Health Canada on balancing family life and work.
Donna Wilson is the Vice President of Human Resources at Vancity Credit Union, one of the province’s largest financial institutions. She will discuss her organization’s experiences with these issues, both positive and negative.
Dale Lauber is the Salary and Indemnity Plan Administrator for the BC Teachers’ Federation. His duties include assisting disabled teachers to return to work. He will present the policies his organization has implemented to assist members.
November 14, 2002
"Dealing with Violence in the Workplace"
Dr. Perry Sirota, Clinical Psychologist
In these turbulent times, violence in the workplace can have substantial repurcussions for victims, employees, management and unions. The effects of violence can be extensive and enduring.
Dr. Perry Sirota is one of Canada’s leading experts on the prevention of violence and coping strategies after such incidents. He is a clinical psychologist practicing in Calgary. He has been an expert witness before courts, arbitration boards and tribunals.
Two local speakers will discuss their experiences in dealing with this problem.
April 3, 2002
"The BCLRB: New Challenges and Opportunities"
Brent Mullin, Chair of the BC Labour Relations Board
Brent Mullin became the Chair of the B.C. Labour Relations Board in January, 2002. An experienced counsel in labour cases, he was Vice Chair of the Board from 1992 to 1998. This meeting will be his first address to the industrial relations community since assuming leadership of the Board.
January 16, 2002
"Judging the Judges: The Future of Employment Tribunals in B.C"
Richard Longpre, Assistant Deputy Minster of Skills Development and Labour
The new provincial government is considering the amalgamation of some or all employment-related tribunals. A report on this proposal will be issued in January. This new structure, if adopted, could affect the Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunal, Employment Standards Tribunal and the workers’ compensation appeal procedures.
Richard Longpre, Assistant Deputy Minister of Skills Development and Labour, will speak on this important topic. In addition, two discussants will present the perspectives of the employer and labour communities.
April 4, 2001
"Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace"
Ross Chilton, Regional Director for Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation
Dr. Ray Baker, Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC
Each year, alcohol abuse in the workplace costs an estimated $7.5 billion, or $265 per capita for all Canadians. The identification of individuals facing this problem and the choice of strategies for treatment are important issues for employers, unions, advocates and neutrals.
Two speakers will address this problem from different perspectives.
Ross Chilton, is Regional Director for Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation. He has extensive experience in working with families and individuals struggling with substance abuse issues.
Dr. Ray Baker is a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC specializing in addiction medicine. Previously, he practiced occupational medicine in Logan Lake for 12 years. He is the principal author for the B.C. standards of practice in addiction medicine, adopted by the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons.
October 30, 2000
"The Direction of Labour Policy in B.C. Under the NDP vs. Under the Liberals"
Hon. Joy MacPhail, Minister of Labour and Deputy Premier
Kevin Kreuger, Liberal MLA for Kamloops - North Thompson
Labour policy is usually an important topic in B.C. provincial politics, and 2000-2001 promises to be no exception.
With an election due in the next few months, BCIRA members will have a unique opportunity to hear both the current Minister of Labour, the Honourable
Joy MacPhail, and the Labour Critic for the Official Opposition,
Kevin Krueger, debate the direction of future labour policy in the province. What would a new Liberal government do in this area? What initiatives would a new NDP government make?
Ms. MacPhail, a former BCIRA member and union staff officer, was appointed Minister of Labour and Deputy Premier February 2000. She has served in many ministerial positions since she was first elected as an MLA in 1991.
Mr. Krueger, Liberal MLA for Kamloops - North Thompson, was first elected in 1996. Prior to entering politics, he was regional public affairs and road safety manager at ICBC and previously was a union steward.
April 27, 2000
"The 'Adverse or Direct Effects' of the Meiorin Decision"
Ken Curry, Staff Counsel, BCGEU
Peter Gall, Partner, Heenan Blaikie
In two recent decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada has established new rules for the duty to accommodate in the workplace and the concept of a bona fide occupational requirement in the human rights concept. The distinction between “adverse” and “direct” effects of discrimination was eliminated. Employers (and unions) now must reconsider their procedures for establishing occupational requirements as well as their contents.
Two speakers will address the impact of these cases on labour relations community in B.C. Both participated in this litigation and will speak from the labour and employer perspectives.
Ken Curry is staff counsel for the BCGEU, one of the parties in the Meiorin case.
Peter Gall is a partner at Heenan Blaikie with extensive experience in labour law.
September 22, 1999
"The BC Labour Movement Faces the New Millenium"
Jim Sinclair, President, BC Federation of Labour
The Executive Council of the BC Federation of Labour elected
Jim Sinclair as the Fed's new president in May. Jim was a member of the Executive Council representing the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union/Canadian Auto Workers Union, and a staff member of the UFAWU since 1982. He was the lead negotiator in industry-wide negotiations in the fishing union.
Jim will be filling one of the most important positions in the province--the leader of 450,000 members of the BC Federation of Labour and a spokesperson for labour on many issues.
He will be making his first major speech to a non-labour audience at the next BCIRA meeting, outlining his vision for the future of labour in a climate of changing economic and political conditions.
May 5, 1999
"Oh What a Tangled 'Weber' We Weave"
Wayne Moore, Arbitrator
John Hall, Arbitrator and Mediator
Rory McDonald, Arbitrator
Since the Supreme Court of Canada brought down its decision in Weber vs Ontario Hydro, arbitrators have been wrestling with its implications when resolving disputes between employers and employees. Weber held that many disputes arising between unionized employees and employees must go to arbitration, not the courts. This decision has been examined in many employment disputes.
What is the Weber decision and how is it being applied by arbitrators?
To help us answer this question we have a panel of three experienced arbitrators.
Our first speaker is
Wayne Moore who acted as union counsel until going to the Labour Relations Board from 1984-87. Since then he has been in private practice as an arbitrator and has continued to act as counsel. Wayne has taught IR at UBC and BCIT, and is currently VP of the Arbitrators’ Association of B.C. He will give an overview of Weber and its implications.
Our next two speakers will offer their experiences in applying Weber in recent cases.
John Hall is now in private practice as an arbitrator and mediator. He has also been appointed as a part-time Vice-Chair at the Labour Relations Board. Prior to this, John was the Associate Chair, Adjudication at the Labour Relations Board. John will provide an arbitrator’s perspective.
Our final speaker is
Rory McDonald. As of April 1, Rory has established himself in private practice as an arbitrator. Previously, he was a partner in McTaggert Ellis for over 30 years, acting as counsel and since the 80's, as an arbitrator. Rory recently addressed the impact of Weber in an arbitration award, Fording Coal.
October 22, 1998
"The Alberta Advantage: Myth or Reality?"
Allen Ponak, University of Calgary
Larry Holm, Finning Canada
Dan Rogers, Labour Lawyer
Despite their geographic proximity, Alberta and B.C. have very different reputations for industrial relations. Alberta has low levels of union density and fewer strikes than B.C. yet wages in Alberta are over 95 per cent of B.C. levels, and the province has experienced several very bitter labour disputes there in recent years.
How real are the differences between the two provinces? To answer this question, we have a very experienced panel with background in both provinces.
The first speaker will be
Professor Allen Ponak, from the University of Calgary. Allen formerly taught at UBC and McGill. He is an active arbitrator and organizes the largest conference on labour arbitration in Western Canada each year. He recently completed a paper “Alberta - Industrial Relations in a Conservative Climate”. Joining Allen will be two practitioners who have worked in B.C. and Alberta.
Presenting a management view will be
Larry Holm, Human Resources Manager for the Alberta Region of Finning Canada. Prior to assuming his present position, he was in the forest products industry in B.C. and Alberta. He is a graduate of UBC.
The union perspective will be presented by
Dan Rogers, a union side labour lawyer in Vancouver since 1990. He was called to the Alberta bar in 1981 and practiced there with Andrew Seins (later Chair of the Alberta Labour Relations Board) and later with Faulkner and Rogers until coming to Vancouver. His practice now includes clients in both provinces.
This promises to be an interesting and topical programme - exploring an issue that has not been discussed before. We hope you can join us.
June 23, 1998
"Have We Created a Contingency or Casual Workforce?"
Ed Lavalle, College Institute Educators' Association
Donald Monk, Canada safeway Limited
The public sector has long had contingent workforces. With budget cuts and less government funding, employers are relying more on part-time and temporary workers.
So too in the private sector. In major food industry collective agreements recently negotiated, long service employees were bought out and the hours of the newly hired employees were to be capped at 20 hours per week. All in an effort to cut costs and remain competitive.
What is happening to the workforce and workplace as a result of these developments? Is it having a negative or positive effect? Hear from both the public and private sectors in this regard - from both the union and management sides - as they give their views on the issue and any side-effects they have witnessed.
Joining us to give their views on such an issue will be
Ed Lavalle, President, College Institute Educators’ Association which represents almost 6000 post-secondary teachers, many on contingent contracts, and
Donald Monk, who was Vice-President of Labour Relations for Canada Safeway Limited for the past 17 years. He is now on special assignment reporting to the Executive Vice-President of Labour Relations for Safeway and the President of Canada Safeway
March 12, 1998
"Labour Code Reform: Balance and Fairness in Labour Relations?"
Stan Lanyon, Arbitrator and former Chair of BC Labour Relations Board
Jim Matkin, former Chair of BC Business Council
Miriam Gropper, a labour lawyer
In July of 1997, the provincial government appointed a panel to review the Labour Relations Code.
Stan Lanyon, an arbitrator and former Chair of the Labour Relations Board, became Co-Chair of that panel along with Vince Ready, mediator/arbitrator
Miriam Gropper, a labour lawyer and
Jim Matkin, former Chair of the BC Business Council were the other members of the panel - representing both Unions and Employers respectively.
When he announced the appointments, then Labour Minster John Cashore stated: “I expect them to provide government with sound advice to ensure B.C.’s labour code continues to work well to provide balance and fairness in labour relations”. Discover if this panel succeeded in achieving “balance” and “fairness” in their final recommendations to be issued on February 20, 1998. Also, hear about what the panel learned regarding B.C.’s labour relations concerns and climate as they traveled the province listening to many interest groups. (It should be noted that Stan Lanyon also sat on a panel with Stephen Kelleher to review industrial relations in the construction industry, so he will be able to field any questions about that review as well.)
November 26, 1997
"Privacy: A Thing of the Past?"
David Flaherty, Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia
Our first dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 1997, and will feature
David Flaherty, Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia.
Mr. Flaherty is primarily responsible for monitoring the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and has over 20 years experience with privacy issues as an academic, teacher, consultant and author. He will discuss his views on the labour relations aspects of privacy issues and the emerging implications of the Act for labour relations.
June 25, 1997
"Small Certifications: Big Implications?"
Jef Keighley, BC Federation of Labour
John Bowman, Canadian Auto Workers
Susan Arnold, Heenan Blaikie
Lisa Hansen, BC Labour Relations Board
Our last dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 1997. Featured speakers are
Jef Keighley, Vice President of the BC Federation of Labour and a representative of the Canadian Auto Workers,
Susan Arnold, Partner with Heenan Blaikie who often acts for the Coalition of BC Businesses which represents many of the smaller employers in BC.
Lisa Hansen, Registrar of B.C. Labour Relations Board will be moderator and provide background information on certifications over the last few years.
The majority of union certifications granted by the LRB in the last few years have been for small employers with less than 20 employees. The panelists will address issues, such as, the impact of these small certifications on the face of labour relations in BC, how small businesses are coping with unionization, and how large unions are adjusting to represent members from small organizations.
March 5, 1997
"Workplace Partnership:The Next Step in EFAP"
George Grant, Access Consultants
Ann Davidson, Canadian Auto Workers Local 1990
E. Frances Fiorillo, Canadian Airlines International
Brian Foley,B.C. Labour Relations Board
Our next dinner meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 1997. Featured speakers are
George Grant, Access Consultants,
Ann Davidson, President, Canadian Auto Workers Local 1990, and
E. Frances Fiorillo, Vice President of Inflight Service, Canadian Airlines International.
Brian Foley, Associate Chair, B. C. Labour Relations Board will be moderator.
November, 14, 1996
"ADR: Possibilities and Challenges for Practitioners in the Emerging Workplace"
S. Glenn Sigurdson, SPIDR International
Renee Poley, BCGEU
Kerry Austman, Northwood Pulp and Timber
Our first dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 1996, and will feature
S. Glenn Sigurdson, President, SPIDR International (Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution).
June 19, 1996
"The Media and Labour Relations in B.C."
Chris Olson, CKNW
Gerard Young, Times-Colonist
Gary Moser, Health Employers Association of B. C.
Louise Leclair, Canadian Union of Public Employees
Our final dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 1996, and will feature:
Chris Olsen, CKNW;
Gerald Young, Times Columnist;
Gary Moser, Health Employers Association of B.C.; and
Louise Leclair, Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Suzan Beattie will be the moderator.
February 28, 1996
"Workers Compensation Board: Past, Present and Future"
Ian May, Council of Forest Industries
John Weir, B. C. Federation of Labour
Mark Thompson, University of British Columbia
Our next dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 1996, and will feature
Ian May, Council of Forest Industries,
John Weir, B.C. Federation of Labour, and
Linda McKenna, Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment.
Mark Thompson, University of British Columbia, will be moderator.
November 15, 1995
"The Labour Relations Code and Board: An Assessment"
John Rogers, Victory Square Law Office
Susan Arnold, Heenan Blaikie Law Office
Don Munroe, Mediator/Arbitrator
Our first dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15,
1995, and will feature
John Rogers, Partner, Vidory Square Law Office,
Susan Arnold, Partner, Heenan Blaikie, and
Don Munroe, Mediator/Arbitrator and former Chair of the B.C. Labour Relations Board.
June 7, 1995
"Enterprise vs Industry Bargaining"
Brian Payne, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union
Gary Johncox, MacMillan Bloedel
Linda McKenna, Molson Breweries.
Our final dinner meeting for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 1995, and
will feature
Brian Payne, Regional Vice President, Communications, Energy, and
Paperworkers Union,
Gary Johncox, Vice President Human Resources, MacMillan
Bloedel, and
Linda McKenna, Vice President Personnel and Industrial Relations,
Western Canada, Molson Breweries.
January 18, 1995
"Employment Equity"
Eileen Stewart, Director of Human Resources, City of Vancouver
Christine Skrepetz, B.C. Federation of Labour
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Our next dinner meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 1995, and will feature
Eileen Stewart, Director of Human Resources, City of Vancouver, and
Christine Skrepetz, B. C. Federation of Labour. We are also making arrangements to have a speaker from Ontario who is familiar with the Ontario Employment Equity Programme.
November 2, 1994
"Harassment at the Workplace"
Annabelle Donovan, Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Employees Union, Local 40
Margaretha Hoek, Sexual Harassment Policy Office, UBC
Andy Sims, Q.C., de Villars and Jones Law Offices
Our first dinner meeting for the 94/95 programme year is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, 1994, and will feature
Annabelle Donovan, Director, Legal and Legislative Services, Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary Employees and Bartenders’ Union,
Local 40, and
Margaretha Hoek, Advisor, Sexual Harassment Policy Office, University of British Columbia.
Andy Sims, Q. C., Partner, de Villars and Jones, and past Chair of the Alberta Labour Relations Board will be the moderator.
June 1, 1994
"Statutory Expedited Arbitration"
Geoffrey Crampton, B.C. Collective Agreement Arbitration Bureau
Joseph Rose, McMaster University
Our final dinner meeting for the 93/94 programme year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1, 1994, and will feature
Geoffrey Crampton, Director of the B.C. Collective Agreement Arbitration Bureau, and Joseph Rose, Professor of Industrial Relations, McMaster University.
Joe Rose has published several studies of Ontario’s statutory expedited arbitration procedure, and is currently a Visiting Professor at UBC.
March 9, 1994
"Changed/Changing Labour Relations at Canadian Airlines"
Brian Beatton, International Association of Machinists
Bronach Cole, Canadian Airlines
Kevin Howlett, Canadian Airlines
Our next dinner meeting for the 93/94 programme year is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 1994, and will feature
Brian Beatton, International Association of Machinists,
Bronach Cole, Canadian Airlines, and
Kevin Howlett, Canadian Airlines.
December 8, 1993
"Responding to Trauma in the Workplace"
Brenda Broughton, The Employee & Family Assistance Programme
Glen Barrington, Fraser Valley Foods
Ross Bremmer, Local 1518, United Food and Commercial Workers' Union
Our next dinner meeting for the 93/94 programme year is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, 1993, and will feature
Brenda Broughton, Director, The Employee & Family Assistance Programme, The Employee Assistance Group, A Division of Family Services of Greater Vancouver,
Glen Barrington, General Manager, Fraser Valley Foods, and
Ross Bemner, Executive Vice-President, Local 1518, United Food and Commercial Worker.
Brenda will address the role El FAP can play in managing trauma in the workplace.
Glen and
Ross will discuss the E/FAP intervention used to reduce the negative consequences of a trauma lit and violent incident in their workplace, as well as a joint approach to planning and areas for potential improvement.
October 13, 1993
"School Teachers Bargaining in B.C."
Brian Bastien, Director of Human Resources, School District 36, Surrey
Elsie McMurphy, Executive Director of the B.C. Teachers Federation
June 2, 1993
"The New Labour Relations Code"
Ken Halliday, K.D. Halliday and Associates
Cliff Andstein, B.C. Government Employees Union
February 23, 1993
"Preventative Mediation: Ontario's Experience Over Ten Years"
Victor Pathe, Ontario Deputy Minister of Labour
Ray Worley, B.C. Teachers Federation
Benjamin B. Trevino, Russell and DuMoulin, Barristers and Solicitors
November 24, 1992
"Employee Benefits: Have We Reached the Saturation Point?"
Jim Reid, William M. Mercer Ltd
Csaba Hajdu, Pulp and Paper Industrial Relations Bureau
Linda Tozak, B.C. Government Employees Union
Linda McKenna, Molson Breweries
Our second dinner meeting for the year is scheduled for November 24, 1992. The topic will be “Employee Benefits: Have We Reached the Saturation Point?” and will feature
Jim Reid, Principal and Head of Office, William M. Mercer Limited, and
Csaba Hajdu, Director of Research, Pulp and Paper Industrial Relations Bureau, Forest Industrial Relations Limited, with responses from
Linda Tozak, British Columbia Government Employees Union, and
Linda McKenna, Molson Breweries.
October 13, 1992
"Workplace Stress: Union and Management Perspectives"
Barbara R. Bluman, Schroeder, Pidgeon, MacNeil, Barristers and Solicitors
Donald J. Jordan, Q.C., Blake, Cassels and Graydon
Brian Foley, BC Labour Relations Board
June 3, 1992
"Australian Labour Relations Delegation"
Max Ogden, Australian Council of Trade Unions
Pat McCarthy, Australia Post
Jim Armstrong, Australia Postal & Telecommunications Union
Monica Gould, National Union of Food
Ron Robson, Metal Industry Trades Federation
