Open House Image

Greetings!

Welcome to the Labour Program National Virtual Open House 2024! This event brings together the entire Labour Program to connect, share, and discuss key insights on work-related topics. Throughout these sessions, we’ll dive into critical themes like health, safety, and labour standards, spanning our diverse regions—Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Central, and North West Pacific.


Join us as we learn from each other, exchange ideas, and celebrate our collective commitment to enhancing workplaces across the country. Let’s make this a time of inspiration, collaboration, and progress!

Event Program

Dates: October 22nd – 24th, 2024

We have three dynamic afternoons of learning and collaboration at the Labour Program National Virtual Open House 2024! This event features a diverse lineup of expert speakers and panel discussions covering critical topics within the Labour Program. From the latest in health and safety regulations to emerging trends in labour standards and innovative practices, each session is designed to inform, inspire, and equip you with valuable insights.


Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with colleagues, or explore new perspectives, this event offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders and gain practical takeaways to enhance your workplace with the Labour Program.


Missed a session? No worries! Presentations and recordings will be available for download after each session, so you can catch up at your convenience.

How to Join the Sessions

To participate in a session on any day, simply click on the topic title in the schedule below. You will be redirected to the MS Teams room where the event is taking place. Please ensure you have MS Teams installed and set up on your device before the event begins. You can download it here.

On the Day of the Event:

  • Time Zone Awareness: All session times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Please adjust the schedule according to your local time zone to ensure you don't miss any sessions.
  • Technical Requirements:
    • MS Teams Installation: Verify that MS Teams is installed and functioning properly on your device.
    • Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection to prevent any disruptions during the sessions.
    • Audio/Video Setup: Check your microphone and camera settings if you plan to participate actively.
  • Before the Session:
    • Test Run: We recommend joining a test meeting to familiarize yourself with MS Teams features.
    • Early Login: Log in a few minutes before the session starts to troubleshoot any last-minute issues.
  • During the Session:
    • Mute Your Microphone: Keep your microphone muted unless you are speaking to minimize background noise.
    • Engagement: Depending on the presenter, use the chat function or the Q&A function to ask questions or share comments without interrupting the speaker.
    • Recording Notice: Be aware that sessions may be recorded for those who cannot attend live.


After the Event:

  • Accessing Materials: Presentations and session recordings will be available for download below each session description in the schedule.
  • Feedback: We value your input! Please take a moment to fill out the feedback form that will be emailed to you after the event.

Day 1 - Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Start Time (EDT) End Time (EDT) Topic Presenter(s) Details Presentation PDF Presentation Recording
12:30 2:30 Land Acknowledgement Acknowledging the traditional lands on which the event is taking place and recognizing the importance of this practice in fostering respect and reconciliation.
Minister Opening Remarks The Honourable Steven MacKinnon Welcome and opening remarks to set the stage for this event.
Keynote Speaker Guy Freedman A keynote address focusing on Reconciliation for Federally Regulated Employers, offering insights and inspiration for participants.
MS Teams Etiquette and Overview A brief but essential tutorial on using MS Teams to ensure participants can navigate the virtual platform effectively throughout the event.
Psychological Health and Safety: Legislation, Workplace Factors, and Conflict Resolution Jan Chappel Presented by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Building strong, trusting relationships is a fundamental aspect of psychological health and safety that supports the success of many other workplace psychosocial factors. Teams that trust each other can benefit from higher employee engagement and improved work outcomes. Skills for navigating interpersonal conflicts can empower everyone to more confidently manage workplace change. Participants will be guided through highlights of Canadian legislation that relate to psychosocial risks, as well as learn methods for supporting mental health in the workplace through open conversations and conflict resolution measures.
2:30 2:45 Break
2:45 3:30 Canada Labour Code, Part II: Overview Erin Wilde An introductory session covering the basics of occupational health and safety.    
2:45 3:30 Investigating Hazardous Substances and Exposure Risks Adriana Dwyer An informative session focusing on the employer’s duties to investigate risk of exposure, hazards, and hazardous substances under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.    
3:30 3:45 Break
3:45 4:45 Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations: Interpretation, Policy and Guidelines Adriana Dwyer,

Nicole Smith

A comprehensive guide on interpreting and applying the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, including policy development and best practices.    

Jour 2 - Mercredi 23 octobre 2024

Heure de début (EDT) Heure de fin (EDT) Sujet Présentateur(s) Détails PDF de la présentation Enregistrement de la présentation
12:55 2:00 Remarques du Sous-ministre adjoint Brenda Baxter Remarques d'ouverture et un aperçu bref du Programme du Travail.    
Code du travail du Canada, Partie IV : Pénalités monétaires administratives Ceayon Johnson,

John Hood

Une présentation détaillée sur la manière dont les Pénalités monétaires administratives sont appliquées en vertu du Code du travail du Canada, incluant des exemples de cas et des stratégies de conformité.    
2:00 2:15 Pause
2:15 3:00 Comment se préparer à une inspection de santé et sécurité au travail Emma Woolridge,

Erin Wilde

Cette session offrira des conseils sur la préparation à une inspection de santé et sécurité au travail par les agents de santé et sécurité du Programme du Travail, détaillant ce que les employeurs peuvent anticiper durant le processus.    
3:00 3:15 Pause
3:15 3:45 Code du travail du Canada, Partie II : Exigences annuelles de déclaration des employeurs Megan Eccleston Un aperçu complet des obligations des employeurs pour les déclarations annuelles en vertu de la Partie II du Code du travail du Canada, mettant en lumière les pièges courants et des conseils de conformité.    
3:45 4:15 Posez-moi n'importe quoi : Santé et sécurité au travail Cathy Corbett,

Ashley Keith

Une session interactive de questions-réponses où les participants peuvent interroger des experts sur les règlements de santé et sécurité au travail, la conformité et les meilleures pratiques.    

Day 3 - Thursday, October 24, 2024

Start Time (EDT) End Time (EDT) Topic Presenter(s) Details Presentation PDF Presentation Recording
1:00 1:45 Canada Labour Code, Part III: Worker Misclassification Bisera Olevska Overview of worker misclassification issues and how to identify and correct them within your organization.    
1:45 2:00 Break
2:00 2:45 Exploring Different Types of Leave Michael Dinh, Jhumpa Mohapatra Detailed discussion on various types of leave available under the Canada Labour Code, including eligibility, benefits, and employer responsibilities.    
Canada Labour Code, Part III: Layoffs, Termination Pay, Unjust Dismissal Sherry Walters, Jessica Moore, Siobhan Hutchison Understanding the rights and obligations of employers and employees during layoffs, including termination pay and unjust dismissal claims.    
2:45 3:00 Break
3:00 3:45 Canada Labour Code, Part III: Complaints, Deductions, Expenses, and Wage Recovery Michael McLean, Odeisa Stewart, Devin Schachtel Step-by-step guidance on handling complaints related to wage deductions, expense claims, and wage recovery under the Canada Labour Code.    
3:45 4:00 Deputy Minister Closing Remarks Sandra Hassan Final remarks summarizing the key takeaways from the day and thanking participants for their engagement.    

Additional resources

Labour Program Forward Regulatory Plan: 2023 to 2025

Link to the website

Labour Program Publications

Link to publications

Annual Occupational Health and Safety Publication

Link to website (2020)

Link to website (2021)

Link to website (2022)

Open Data Portal

Link to website