Northern (Sudbury): HYBRID Damage Awards: Developments in Wrongful Dismissals, Grievance Arbitrations, HRTO and the OLRB


Date and Time

Starts:06/12/2025 5:15 PM

Ends:06/12/2025 8:30 PM

Registration Closes:06/06/2025 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

1.5 CPD Hour(s)

Location:
Bryston's On-the-Park 5 Creighton Rd. Copper Cliff, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: Free

IN-PERSON: Non-Members: $80 + HST VIRTUAL: Non-Members: $35 + tax

Availability

Additional Information

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".

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Event Sponsor


This seminar will focus on how courts, arbitrators, the HRTO and the OLRB are becoming more comfortable, issuing damage awards against employers, as opposed to the traditional remedies. There will be example cases that highlight the trend for each of the areas, as well as discussion on what sort of events trigger damages. 

The presentation will also focus on why damages are an increasing tool in settlement discussions and the reasons why demand letters and grievances often site a claim for damages related to a violation of the OHRC or some other violation of legislation. There will be some focus on the tax implications of these types of settlements.

Learning Objectives:

That participants understand that courts, arbitrators and adjudicators are increasing the use and the quantum of damage awards.

That participants can expect that demands prior the commencement of any proceedings, include a claim that would attract damages. Where there has been no violation of, for example, an employee's human rights, it can be jarring to receive a letter from counsel indicating that either your organization or you personally have violated someone's human rights. Part of the purpose of the presentation is to explain the tax reason behind these demands so that an employer can better understand the push in that direction.

Finally, to explain how damages are taxed and to explain when they would be appropriate and when they would not be appropriate and how best to paper it. Counsel is pushing for this type of payment but if there is nothing to ground the payment, the organization would be assist in tax aviation, where there may be penalties. 

Agenda

5:15 PM Registration and Networking
5:45 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Speaker Presentation In person and Virtual
8:30 PM Event Concludes 

Registration Closes: June 5, 2025 at 8:00AM…or sooner if it sells out! 

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Rebecca Lauzon our Specialist, Member Engagement at rlauzon@hrpa.ca

 

Speaker bio(s)
Kathleen Stokes, Lawyer

Ms. Stokes has practiced exclusively in the area management side labour and employment law since graduating from law school in 1999. She represents a wide variety of clients, including large public and broader public sector clients, First Nations, insurance companies, mining and construction companies in human rights applications, grievance arbitrations, OLRB proceedings, occupational health and safety charges and wrongful dismissals. Employment History Weaver Simmons LLP (Sudbury and North Bay) 2004 to Present • Represents numerous insurance companies on Human Rights, Occupational Health and Safety Wrongful dismissal and Labour Board matters. • Represents at the HRTO and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal • Represents at grievance arbitrations and wrongful dismissal suits. • Negotiations of first and subsequent collective agreements for numerous clients, including major multinational corporations • Providing legal advice, representation and seminars