HRPA Meeting Details

Northeast (Ottawa) HYBRID Employment Relations in Turbulent Times

Date and Time:

Starts: 04/16/2026 5:30 PM

Ends: 04/16/2026 8:00 PM

Registration Closes:04/07/2026 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

1.5 Hour(s)

Location:

Bayview Yards 7 Bayview Station Road Ottawa,

Price:

HRPA Members: Free

Non-Members:
IN-PERSON: $125 + tax

Non-Members:
VIRTUAL: $35 + tax

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Availability

Additional Information

**ZOOM STARTS AT 6:30 PM**

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

Event Sponsor

In this panel, we explore the seismic disruptions impacting work and employment relations. From the rise of new technologies to the 'rupture' of global trade relations, we discuss the challenges facing human resource professionals trying to manage the human side of turbulent economic times. The session focuses on three critical trends facing HR professionals. First, we begin with a discussion of the rapid technological changes sweeping the world of work and what this means for HR leaders. To address technological turbulence, we outline the critical questions HR leaders need to assess in order help organizations and team member navigate these changes. Second, technological changes and economic disruptions take a heavy toll on the mental health of employees and the psychological wellness of organizations. What principles have we learned from effective disability management practices and the promotion of workplace wellness programs to help employees thrive and organizations survive these turbulent times? Third, we see these trends impacting negotiations and labour relations in challenging new ways. The session will feature a perspective-taking exercise as a critical competency for our negotiation and labour relations skill sets.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Critically examine the impacts of economic and technological turbulence on employee mental health and organizational wellness, and identify evidence‑informed strategies to influence positive outcomes. Participants will analyze principles from disability management and wellness practices and determine how to apply them to strengthen resilience across teams and organizations.
Critically examine the impacts of economic and technological turbulence on employee mental health and organizational wellness, and identify evidence‑informed strategies to influence positive outcomes. Participants will analyze principles from disability management and wellness practices and determine how to apply them to strengthen resilience across teams and organizations.
Strengthen negotiation and influencing skills by applying perspective‑taking techniques to contemporary labour relations challenges. Participants will explore how emerging trends shape bargaining dynamics and practice using perspective‑taking as a critical competency in effective negotiation and relationship management.

AGENDA

5:30 PM Registration (In-Person Only)

6:30 PM Presentation (In-person and Virtual)

Virtual attendees can log in 15 minutes early and will remain in the lobby until the presentation begins.

8:00 PM Concludes

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Tammy Williams, Specialist, Member Engagement

Robert Hickey

Robert Hickey, Ph.D. Robert Hickey is an associate professor of industrial relations at Queen’s University. He teaches courses on labour relations, negotiations, and health and safety. Robert’s research examines a broad range of workplace and employment relations issues. In one stream, Robert’s research examines the impact of technology and industrial changes on employment relations, the quality of work-life, and employment outcomes. One of his current research projects examine work and career experiences in Ontario’s developmental services sector. Another area of research has focused on the impact of technological change on the electrical construction trades and the development of the skilled trades workforce. He has published his work in a variety of academic journals including the British Journal of Industrial Relations, Relations Industrielle / Industrial Relations, and the Canadian Labour and Employment Law Journal. Robert joined the faculty at Queen’s University in 2006 after completing his Ph.D. at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. He serves on the board of directors at Community Living Kingston and District.

Morgan Bello, CHRP, Vice Preside People & Culture and Corporate Services

Morgan Bello has an MBA and Master degree in Industrial Relations (MIR) from Queens University as well as a CHRP designation. Morgan has provided consulting services in human resources to public, private and non-profit organizations. He brings over 15 years of corporate executive, operational and human resources experience to his management expertise. In his role as Human Resources Manager at YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region, Morgan brings the perspectives and lessons learned from the positions he held on the Auditor General Office, the Canadian Transportation Agency, and Rainbow Foods Canada. In his role Morgan overseeing four (4) collective agreements,(1200) employees, and volunteers in (25) different locations across the National Capital Region. The Y is one of the largest charitable organizations in the National Capital Region. Just in 2017, the Y served to 82,432 people. 22,083 children participated in the camps, child care, and recreation programs; 10,840 immigrants were given access to the resources they need; 45,936 people use the health, fitness and aquatics service, and the Y provided $1.05 million in financial assistance to people in need.