- Prepare management to proactively identify issues that arise in the workplace
- Update institutional knowledge regarding applicable legal requirements
- Understand the importance of written employment agreements and written policies
- Develop managerial skills in managing and resolving employee complaints
- Protect organizational resources against issues caused by insufficient knowledge of current employment law
Need-to-know issues for the modern workplace
Employment law is no longer just about drafting enforceable employment contracts. It now encompasses issues like employee privacy, workforce inclusivity, remote work, data security, corporate whistle blowing, and more.
This program describes the current Canadian landscape in employment law, with additional glances at human rights law, workers’ compensation and privacy issues at work. Gain insights on the complexities of today’s employer-employee relationship. Explore recent developments including changes in legislation and Court decisions. Learn effective strategies for identifying and resolving common employment issues. Forge healthy workplace relationships between employees and the business.
Note: while not a central focus, labour relations and union workplace issues will be briefly touched on so participants can recognize areas where different legislation governs the workplace. See An Introduction to Labour Relations for more in-depth coverage of this area.
Employment Law Essentials
How you will learn
This program includes small group discussions and case law studies built from real cases. You will leave equipped with concrete skills to address a wide array of issues that may arise at work.
Who is this for?
- New and mid-level managers from the private, public and non-profit sectors
- Department heads and front-line team leaders
- Executives and business owners
- Human resource professionals
The impact
This program aims to achieve impactful learning outcomes including:
Grow your knowledge:
- Deepen your understanding of the legal framework and legislation relating to employment
- Distinguish between the obligations and rights of employers and employees
- Learn best practices for managing the employment relationship
Strengthen your skillset:
- Draft and implement enforceable contracts
- Deal with employee complaints and other workplace challenges
- Gain decision-making confidence in matters of termination and Human Rights
Safeguard the business:
- Minimize the risk of disputes, disruption, claims and costs
- Explore new developments in the law, and anticipate future directions
- Appreciate the employer’s obligations with respect to workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety
- Understand employees’ common law obligations regarding confidential information, duty of loyalty, fiduciary duty, etc.
- Learn the best ways to draft and implement employment contracts in order to improve their enforceability and minimize the risk of complaints and claims
- Better shelter your business by increasing your knowledge of matters pertaining to strong workplace policies, human rights obligations, intellectual property protection, and more
- Discover how business transactions affect employment obligations and common issues that arise
- Explore best practices for conducting proper workplace investigations and for terminating employment with or without cause
- Become more familiar with human rights law in tricky “hot button” areas such as prohibited acts of discrimination, pay equity and systemic discrimination
Contact us for registration support
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UBC Sauder Executive Education,
This program will be co-facilitated by at least two of the following partners at Overholt Law LLP, a workplace law firm located in Vancouver. Collectively, they bring a wealth of knowledge on the complex issues facing employers today.
Carman Overholt
K.C.
Carman is the founder of Overholt Law LLP. For over 35 years he has worked with senior management and human resource professionals to advise on compliance with labour, employment and human rights legislation, and to develop policies that minimize the risk of workplace disputes and disruption. He has appeared frequently before the BC Supreme Court, BC Court of Appeal, BC Human Rights Tribunal, BC Employment Standards Tribunal, BC Labour Relations Board and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. He has also represented employers in connection with labour arbitration and collective bargaining.
Jennifer Kwok
Jennifer has practiced law for over 10 years. Drawing on her past career as a Patrol Officer with the Vancouver Police Department, she frequently conducts workplace investigations into a wide variety of complaints, for organizations of all sizes. She also provides training and advises clients on labour and privacy matters, advocating for a proactive perspective to prevent clients from finding themselves in legal jeopardy.
Preston Parsons
Preston has practiced law for over 10 years. His practice includes advising both employers and employees on all types of workplace law issues, with a focus on proactive measures to prevent trouble from arising. He also advises and represents a variety of professionals in investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Over the course of his career he has appeared before the BC Supreme Court, BC Court of Appeal, BC Human Rights Tribunal, BC Labour Relations Board and more.
Why UBC Sauder Executive Education?
Elevate your career and organization with UBC Sauder. Recognized as a global leader in executive education by the Financial Times, our programs deliver a transformative learning experience, resulting in tangible impact.
Elevate your career and organization with UBC Sauder. Recognized as a global leader in executive education by the Financial Times, our programs deliver a transformative learning experience, resulting in tangible impact.
Participating organizations
Success stories
“The program leader was very engaging. He cited real cases that he was involved with or has deep knowledge of, and took the time to break down the court's decisions.”
"I couldn't be happier with this course. It was very informative and captivating. The instructor was amazing and I feel I gained an ample amount of knowledge.”