Western (Oakville): HYBRID From Anxiety to Augmentation: The Legal, Human, and Workforce Impacts of AI and the Skills Needed to Thrive


Date and Time:

Starts: 11/12/2025 8:00 AM

Ends: 11/12/2025 12:00 PM

Registration Closes:10/29/2025 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

3 CPD Hour(s)

Location:
Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: Free

Non-Members:
IN-PERSON: $95 + tax

Non-Members:
VIRTUAL: $35 + tax

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Availability

Additional Information

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


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Event Sponsor


This session brings together expert insights on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workplace, addressing both the anxieties it provokes and the opportunities it presents. Nitin Deckha explores the broader workforce transformation driven by AI, automation, and post-pandemic shifts—highlighting which skills are becoming obsolete and which human competencies will be essential to thrive alongside AI, such as creativity, adaptability, and collaboration.

Complementing this, employment and labour lawyer Inna Koldorf delves into the real-world challenges HR professionals face as AI becomes embedded in daily work—from employees misusing AI tools to the rise of deepfakes. She offers legal, ethical, and policy-based strategies to help organizations stay compliant and secure while leveraging AI effectively.

Together, these sessions provide a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping work and what individuals and organizations must do to adapt responsibly and resiliently.

From Anxiety to Augmentation: Exploring the Impacts of AI on the Workforce and the Human Skills to Thrive - Nitin Deckha

This presentation explores why many people are anxious about the transformation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies, including automation, Big Data and others. It situates this anxiety with recent and ongoing workplace transformations, including the changing dynamics of the employer/employee relationship, the rise of the gig economy, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on re-evaluating our relationship with work. The presentation explores various research and reports on the impacts of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) on jobs, and discusses which kinds of work and skills are in decline and/or threatened. Lastly, it examines research that illuminates salient human skills for the future of work, such as creativity, collaboration, cross-cultural competence, decision making, and willingness to learn. It closes with an argument that rather than replace most workers, AI may allow humans to augment their capacities, driving effectiveness, productivity and greater fulfillment.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the factors contributing to anxiety surrounding the transformation of artificial intelligence and recent workplace changes.
  • Assess the implications of generative artificial intelligence on job markets, recognize which roles and skills are declining or at risk, and situate workplace change within evolving dynamics such as the changing employer/employee relationship and the expanding gig economy.
  • Identify key human skills necessary for future work environments, such as creativity, collaboration, and adaptability, and discuss how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace workers. 


The Bots are In: AI Shenanigans at Work - Inna Koldorf 

As artificial intelligence becomes a fixture in the workplace, HR professionals are facing new challenges - from employees outsourcing their tasks to AI tools, to convincing deepfakes.

In this engaging and practical session, we’ll explore the many ways AI has entered the workplace, while tackling HR implications. You’ll learn how to identify when AI is being used inappropriately, how to spot deepfakes and altered content, and how to adapt your policies and practices to protect your organization.

We will unpack the legal, ethical, and cultural impact of AI in the hands of employees—and leave with actionable strategies for keeping your workplace both innovative and compliant.

  1. How to identify employees' AI use at work.
  2. How to implement effective policies and rules for AI use.
  3. Legal implications for AI use at work. 

AGENDA
8:00am-8:30am Registration & Breakfast
VIRTUAL STARTS HERE: 8:30am-10am From Anxiety to Augmentation: Exploring the Impacts of AI on the Workforce and the Human Skills to Thrive - Nitin Deckha
10:00-10:15am Break
10:15am-11:45am The Bots are In: AI Shenanigans at Work - Inna Koldorf 
11:45-noon Wrap-up

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

Speaker bio(s)
Nitin Deckha

Nitin Deckha holds a PhD in Anthropology from Rice University (Houston, TX), a Master's Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the Schulich Executive Education Centre and is a Certified Training Development Professional (CTDP). For the last 15 years, Nitin has designed and taught courses in anthropology, social problems, gender issues, public policy, intercultural communication, and the transformation of work at McMaster University, University of Toronto, and the University of Guelph-Humber. Nitin has expertise delivering learning to adult professionals in face-to-face, hybrid and distance formats. In addition, as Lead of Enliven Learning, Nitin designs curricula modules and facilitates professional development and executive education workshops in topics ranging from gender inclusive leadership, intercultural competency training, cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion.


Inna Koldorf, Lawyer, Miller Thomson LLP

Inna Koldorf’s practice is focused in the areas of Labour and Employment Law, Human Rights Law, and Workplace Investigations. Having advised and represented unions, employees and employers throughout her career, Inna brings a unique perspective to her work. Inna has completed the Association of Workplace Investigators’ Training Institute, an accredited certificate program. She investigates allegations raised under human rights legislation, occupational health and safety legislation and workplace policies, as well as allegations of fraud, conflict of interest and breach of contract. Although she is a proponent of the early and informal resolution of conflicts, when litigation is necessary Inna represents her clients before arbitrators, tribunals and courts. Inna has appeared before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, boards of arbitration, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Federal Court of Canada.