Join us for an insightful half-day professional development event featuring two timely and thought-provoking sessions on the legal challenges surrounding termination clauses and remote work accommodations. This event is ideal for HR professionals seeking to stay current and compliant in a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Session #1
Is Wallace Dead? A review of the chaotic law around termination clauses (Jordan Lester)
This presentation looks at the controversial decision of Dufault v Ignace and tries to make sense of whether employer’s have the right to terminate an employee without cause, so long as they’re appropriately compensated. For decades, employers followed the Wallace principle which recognized the mutual right of both employers and employees to terminate an employment contract at any time provided there are no express provisions to the contrary. But the recent decision in Dufault signals a change in direction from the courts. This presentation aims to update HRPA members on the state of the law, as well as provide guidance on performing without cause terminations.
Session #2
Working from Home: to accommodate or not to accommodate (Jeremy Kirk)
Major employers such as Google, Amazon and RBC are requiring their staff to return to the office instead of working from home. During the pandemic, remote work became the norm for many employers. But as the world went back to normal, the ability to work from home was gradually taken away. This presentation canvasses the law regarding remote work, and how to accommodate employees who either are unwilling or unable to return to the office. This presentation aims to help HRPA members develop internal policies for remote work, as well as discuss the minefield of family status accommodations.
Learning Objectives
Apply Current Legal Frameworks to Without-Cause Terminations
Understand Legal Obligations Surrounding Remote Work Accommodation
Develop Compliant and Practical Remote Work Policies
Agenda
- 7:30 AM – Welcome, Buffet Breakfast & Networking
- 8:30 AM – Opening Remarks -Virtual Meeting Begins
- 8:40 AM – Session 1: Is Wallace Dead? (Jordan Lester)
- 10:15 AM – Break
- 10:30 AM – Session 2: Working from Home (Jeremy Kirk)
- 11:45 AM – Q & A
- 12:00 PM – Event Concludes
Registration Closes: October 2, 2025 at 8:00AM…or sooner if it sells out!
NEW! Chapter Connectors Program - To foster connection, support, and engagement within the HRPA community, we wish to pair in-person event attendees with experienced member "Connectors".
NEW! Ad-hoc Volunteer Opportunities - Interested in helping as a greeter, registration desk helper, speaker support and/or runner at an upcoming in-person Chapter event.
For both of the above opportunities, you should check of the box during registration but you will also need to login to Volunteer with HRPA and sign up there. Thank you for volunteering to help!
Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Rebecca Lauzon, our Specialist, Member Engagement at Rlauzon@hrpa.ca