Southwest (Kitchener): IN-PERSON Strategies for Ensuring Inclusive Communications in Today's World


Date and Time

Starts:10/15/2024 8:00 AM

Ends:10/15/2024 10:30 AM

Registration Closes:10/08/2024 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

2.0 CPD Hour(s)

Location:
DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener 30 Fairway Rd S Kitchener, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: Free
Non-Members: $45 + tax

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Availability

Additional Information

This is an IN-PERSON event. Registering online in advance is required. Registrations will not be accepted at the door.

A $35 + tax “no show/late cancellation” fee will be charged if cancellation is not provided to chaptercancellations@hrpa.ca at least 3 business days in advance. No exceptions.

Event Sponsor


As an HR practitioner, you understand the importance of choosing your words carefully and communicating in a manner that is respectful and inclusive of your audience. Have you ever wondered if there is more that you could do to ensure that your manner of communication is inclusive and effective for building trust in your workplace?

For this session we are pleased to have Hicks Morley Associate Alia Rashid provide an overview of relevant case law and legislation, and Award-Winning Equity and Inclusion Consultant Colleen James provide practical advice for ensuring inclusive communications. Issues covered will include the obligation of employers to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, how to identify and address microaggressions, best practices for ensuring inclusive language (and common mistakes to avoid), and tips for rebuilding trust after learning that a poor choice of words may have caused offence.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Learn about the legal obligation of employers to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
  2. Learn how to identify and effectively address microaggressions in the workplace.
  3. Develop strategies for ensuring inclusive communications.

Agenda:

8:00 am Welcome and Networking

8:05 am Breakfast

8:30 am Speaker Presentation #1

9:15 am Speaker Presentation #2

10:00 am Questions and Answers

10:30 am Event Concludes

Registration Closes:  October 8, 2024 at 8:00 AM…or sooner if it sells out!

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to our Chapter Experience Coordinator Bobbi-Lyn Smith at BLSmith@hrpa.ca

Speaker bio(s)
Alia Rashid

Alia Rashid is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Waterloo office. She provides advice and representation to employers and management in both the private and public sector on a wide-range of labour, employment and human rights issues, including grievance arbitrations, collective bargaining, labour disputes, occupational health and safety, human rights and accommodation and employment standards. Alia regularly represents clients on human rights matters at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and in labour arbitration settings.


Colleen James

Colleen James, M.Ed., is a highly regarded equity and inclusion consultant, and the driving force behind Divonify Incorporated, demonstrating unwavering dedication to challenging traditional norms in the realms of racial equity and social justice. With an extensive 20-year career, Colleen collaborates with organizations to scrutinize inequities and cultivate environments that embrace the diverse perspectives within their workforce. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada in 2020 and honored as a prominent DEI figure in 2021, Colleen received the Black Excellence in Leadership Award in 2023. She leads transformative discussions within organizations, challenging assumptions, and guiding leaders to deepen their understanding of power dynamics and privilege. A proud resident of Kitchener, Ontario, Colleen resides with her husband and daughter, embodying her steadfast commitment to fostering positive change within her community.