Western (Hamilton): HYBRID From Investigations to Inspiration: Essential Conversations for HR Professionals


Register Online
Register Mail/Fax
Date and Time:

Starts: 03/24/2026 8:00 AM

Ends: 03/24/2026 12:00 PM

Registration Closes:03/13/2026 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

1.5 CPD Hour(s)

Location:
Royal Botanical Gardens - Rock Garden 1185 York Blvd Hamilton, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: Free

Non-Members:
IN-PERSON: $75 + tax

Non-Members:
VIRTUAL: $35 + tax

Join HRPA Now

Availability

Additional Information

**ZOOM 8:30-10am ONLY**

THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE RECORDED.
REMINDER! Our cancellation policy has changed. Click here for more information.

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, please click on the link during registration and you will also need to login to Communities to Volunteer with HRPA and complete the application form. Thank you for volunteering to help!

Event Sponsor

This event features two engaging sessions that explore both the practical and human sides of HR. Attendees will gain insights into conducting fair and effective workplace investigations in today’s evolving work environments, followed by an IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE- Humans of HRPA, which will be an inspiring session highlighting real stories and leadership experiences from HR professionals followed by the opportunity to network.

Session 1 - Workplace Investigations: Bullying and Harassment In The Office and Virtually 

When employees work from home, bullying and harassment may look and feel different than in the office.  Employers have the same responsibilities to properly investigate instances of workplace harassment.  What do you do when the alleged harassment is occurring virtually?  How do we investigate alleged harassment when the workers are remote?

Join this session to review the basics of workplace investigations including:

  • The importance of procedural fairness 
  • Assessing conflicting stories
  • Tips for investigating harassment that occurs virtually, and conducting investigation interviews with remote workers 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding when to conduct a workplace investigation
  • Understanding how to conduct a workplace investigation virtually
  • Understanding how to ensure procedural fairness
     

**THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE!! Session 2 - Humans of HRPA 

HRPA is excited to present Humans of HRPA, an innovative event series that shines a spotlight on the untold stories of HR leaders – trailblazers who have navigated the challenges, celebrated the victories, and shaped the future of the workplace. This series is more than an event; it’s a platform for connection, vulnerability, and inspiration. 

At the heart of Humans of HRPA is storytelling. This event features authentic, unfiltered accounts from established HR professionals who share their journeys with honesty and courage. From breaking through barriers to embracing pivotal moments of growth, these leaders authentically share their paths to success and the people who championed their rise. 

In an era where human connection is more essential than ever, Humans of HRPA fosters an environment where vulnerability is a strength, and shared experiences create a ripple effect of empowerment. Attendees leave with more than just professional insights—they walk away inspired by the resilience and humanity of those who make organizations thrive. 

Whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or someone who simply loves a great story, HRPA invites you to join us on a journey of growth, learning, and heartfelt celebration of the people behind the progress.  

Humans of HRPA Panelists and more to come!

Shelly Meadows, Partner Navigation Consulting & Training, MBA,CPA, CHRP, Certified psychological health & safety advisor, certified executive & leadership coach

Shelly is a seasoned HR and organizational effectiveness professional with over 20 years of experience. She is the Co-Founding Partner of Navigation Consulting & Training and specializes in helping organizations build healthy, safe, and productive workplaces through strategic HR consulting, training, and leadership development.

 

Yolana Mahony

Yolana  is a human resources leader and consultant with extensive experience in people and culture strategy. She is the Founder & Principal Consultant of FreeBird  People & Culture Inc., where she partners with organizations to strengthen HR practices and elevate the employee experience. Prior to founding FreeBird, she held senior  HR roles including Vice President, People & Values at Bond Brand Loyalty and leadership positions in HR business partnering, talent management, and people  strategy  across various global organizations.

 

AGENDA
8:00am-8:30am Registration & Breakfast
VIRTUAL STARTS HERE: 8:30am-10am Workplace Investigations: Bullying and Harassment In The Office and Virtually 
 

IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE:
10:00-10:15am Break
10:15am-11:15am Humans of HRPA
11:15-11:45 Networking
11:45-noon Wrap-up

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Tracey Gallacher, Specialist, Member Engagement

Mike MacLellan

Mike joined Crawford Chondon & Partners LLP as an associate lawyer following his call to the Bar of Ontario in 2010. Between 2011 and 2012, Mike spent eight months on secondment to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (“LCBO”) where he worked as one of two in-house counsel specializing in labour and employment law. Mike became a partner in January, 2018. Mike advises employers on a wide array of legal matters including: collective bargaining, interpretation and application of collective agreements, employee discipline and termination of employment, human rights, workplace violence and harassment, responding to union certification applications and related employer applications, construction industry matters arising under the Labour Relations Act, and complaints under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. When matters progress beyond providing strategic and proactive advice, Mike successfully advocates for employers as at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, private labour arbitration boards, the Ontario Grievance Settlement Board, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Justice. Mike has provided sophisticated counsel to numerous private sector clients, as well as institutional and public sector clients including: municipalities, social service providers, health care providers and facilities, and Crown corporations. During his secondment to the LCBO, Mike was actively engaged in grievance arbitration before the Ontario Grievance Settlement Board and in mediations opposite a strong provincial union. When Mike is not directly working with clients, you can find him blogging, podcasting, overseeing the CCPartners LLP student program, and planning his next trip to Green Bay to cheer on his beloved Packers

Baldeep Bhathal

Baldeep Bhathal has been with the firm since 2023, as a summer student, articling student, and finally graduating to an Associate role. She completed her studies at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. During law school, Baldeep has competed in moot court competitions and is an active volunteer with the Osgoode Chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada. Prior to law school, Baldeep achieved her degree in International Economics and Finance with a Minor in Law from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she twice won the Department of Economics Best Performance Award. During this time, Baldeep was a research assistant with the Ministry of Labour studying health and safety for small businesses. Baldeep is fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.