Stephen provides advice and representation to employers in both the public and private sectors on a range of labour, employment and human rights issues. This includes grievance arbitrations, employment litigation, collective bargaining, employment standards, and workplace accommodation
Industry: Education
Final Means Final: Settlement Enforced by Ontario Labour Relations Board
In Yolande Linton v. Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (Board) upheld and enforced a settlement between the parties, dismissing the Applicant’s unlawful reprisal claim under section 50 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. For employers, this decision reinforces that clearly communicated and accepted settlement terms can be…
WSIB Claims Management: Appeals Process and Advocacy at the WSIB and the WSIAT
This workshop will help human resources professionals and others responsible for managing WSIB claims understand the appeals rules and procedures so that they can better manage the appeals process for their organizations.
WSIB Claims Management: A Detailed Overview of the Life of a Claim
Many issues are impacting employers’ WSIB claims costs, including unsuccessful return-to-work efforts, complicated injuries, psychological conditions, pre-existing conditions, and a lack of monitoring and progress. This workshop will provide a detailed overview of the life of a WSIB claim, along with strategies to better manage these challenging issues.
Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO): 2026 Annual Conference
Canadian universities are navigating rising expectations around accountability and compliance. Join Hicks Morley’s Alia Rashid and Evan Howard at the CAUBO Annual Conference as they share legal insights on strengthening investigative processes and managing difficult conversations in academia.
Jessica DeForest
Jessica is a labour and employment lawyer practicing out of Hicks Morley’s Waterloo office. She advises employers on various matters related to litigation, employment law and human rights.
Isabel de Wolde
Isabel’s multi-jurisdictional background enhances her advocacy for clients by enabling her to anticipate and respond to legal issues across diverse legislative and workplace contexts. This perspective informs her practice across various areas of employment and labour law, including litigation, human rights, occupational health and safety, and workplace policies and contracts.
Arbitration Workshop
Feeling stuck between a collective agreement rock and a procedural hard place? This hands-on workshop has been designed to equip both new and more experienced members of your labour relations team with the skills necessary to prepare a case for grievance arbitration. From providing a refresher on the process and principles, to skill-building group work, we guide participants through key steps.
Attendance Management Training Workshop 201
Employee absenteeism is one of the most challenging issues an employer faces and it can impact productivity and morale in the workplace. In addressing absenteeism issues, employers must be aware of the interplay between their legitimate expectation that employees attend work regularly and the many valid reasons for absences, including statutory leaves and an employee’s human rights. Building on our Attendance Management Training Workshop 101, this program will examine specific issues relating to absenteeism and best practices in dealing with them.
Attendance Management Training Workshop 101
This program is intended to introduce employers to one of the most important tools available to address absenteeism – an attendance management program or policy.