Construction Labour & Employment Relations Conference

Building Relationships
that matter

The Construction Labour & Employment Relations Conference is uniquely designed to foster relevant and timely discussion driven by the needs of senior executives and professionals representing Canadian building trades unions and construction employers.

Through candid debate, panel discussions and expert-led presentations, seasoned practitioners and leading advisors will examine significant legislative developments and emerging labour relations trends to uncover real-world solutions that address evolving construction industry challenges.

Join your peers and partners in a collegial and neutral setting that promotes the spirit of bipartisanship to share ideas, exchange perspectives and strengthen relationships that matter.

Continuing Professional Development

The Construction Labour & Employment Relations Conference provides an education-focused executive networking environment for earning required continuing education. Substantive and EDI Professionalism content hours will be updated upon accreditation.

Conference chairs

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney

Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Construction Labour Relations Chair Alan M.Minsky, Q.C.

Alan M. Minsky, K.C.

Counsel
Koskie Minsky LLP

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney

Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Read Profile

Construction Labour Relations Chair Alan M.Minsky, Q.C.

Alan M. Minsky, K.C.

Counsel
Koskie Minsky LLP

Read Profile

Conference chairs

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney


Richard J. Charney

Global Head of Employment & Labour
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Construction Labour Relations Chair Alan M.Minsky, Q.C.


Alan M. Minsky, Q.C.

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney


Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Construction Labour Relations Chair Alan M.Minsky, Q.C.


Alan M. Minsky, K.C.

Counsel
Koskie Minsky LLP

Featured Speakers

Keynotes

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Brian O'Byrne

Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Luncheon Keynote

Geoff Smith

Executive Chair
EllisDon Corporation

Hon. Monte McNaughton

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Government of Ontario MPP Lambton-Kent Middlesex

Read Profile

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Keynotes

luncheon Keynote

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Brian O'Byrne

Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Geoff Smith

Executive Chair
EllisDon Corporation

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Dean Ardron

Dean Ardron

Managing Partner
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Melissa Atkins-Mahaney

Melissa Atkins-Mahaney

Labour Relations Manager & Counsel
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793

Construction Labour Relations Speaker David J. Bannon

David J. Bannon

Partner
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Benjamin A. Barnes

Benjamin A. Barnes

Partner
Gibson & Barnes LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Toni Fanelli

Tony Fanelli

Executive Director
Construction Labour Relations Association of Ontario

Bernard Fishbein

Mediator & Adjudicator,
Former Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Stephanie Hobbs

Partner
Goldblatt Partners LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Katherine Jacobs

Katherine Jacobs

Director of Research
Ontario Construction Secretariat

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Inna Koldorf

Inna Koldorf

Partner,
Employment & Labour Law
KPMG Law LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Erin R. Kuzz

Erin R. Kuzz

Partner
Sherrard Kuzz LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Lindsay Lawrence

Alternate Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Michael McFadden

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Sean McFarling

Sean McFarling

General Counsel
LiUNA OPDC &
LiUNA CECOF

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Patrick McManus

Executive Director
Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors’ Association

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Tiffany O'Hearn Davies

Tiffany O’Hearn Davies

Senior Associate
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Jason Ottey

Director of Government Relations and Communications
LiUNA Local 183
Board Member
Skilled Trades Ontario

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Carl W. Peterson

Carl W. Peterson

Partner
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Ernie Schirru

Ernie A. Schirru

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Michael Sherrard

Michael G. Sherrard

Managing Partner
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Chair
Skilled Trades Ontario

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Jack J Slaughter

Jack J. Slaughter

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

James St. John

Business Manager
Central Ontario Building Trades
Financial Secretary & Director
Hammer Heads

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland

Executive Director
Canada’s Building Trades Unions

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Walter Thornton

Walter R. Thornton

Partner
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Elizabeth Traynor

Elizabeth M. Traynor

Partner
Siskinds LLP

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Graham Williamson

Graham Williamson

General Counsel
LiUNA Local 183

Construction Labour Relations Speaker

Melissa D. Young

Chief Executive Officer and Registrar
Skilled Trades Ontario

Dean Ardron

Managing Partner
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP

Melissa Atkins-Mahaney

Labour Relations Manager & Counsel
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793
Read Profile

David J. Bannon

Partner
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
Read Profile

Benjamin A. Barnes

Partner
Gibson & Barnes LLP

Tony Fanelli

Executive Director
Construction Labour Relations Association of Ontario

Bernard Fishbein

Mediator & Adjudicator,
Former Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Stephanie Hobbs

Partner
Goldblatt Partners LLP

Katherine Jacobs

Director of Research
Ontario Construction Secretariat
Read Profile

Inna Koldorf

Partner, Employment & Labour Law
KPMG Law LLP

Erin R. Kuzz

Partner
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Read Profile

Lindsay Lawrence

Alternate Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Michael McFadden

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Sean McFarling

General Counsel
LiUNA OPDC & LiUNA CECOF
Read Profile

Patrick McManus

Executive Director
Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association,
Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors’ Association

Tiffany O’Hearn Davies

Senior Associate
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Read Profile

Jason Ottey

Director of Government Relations and Communications
LiUNA Local 183
Board Member
Skilled Trades Ontario

Carl W. Peterson

Partner
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP
Read Profile

Ernie A. Schirru

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Michael G. Sherrard

Managing Partner
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Chair
Skilled Trades Ontario

Jack J. Slaughter

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board
Read Profile

James St. John

Business Manager
Central Ontario Building Trades
Financial Secretary & Director
Hammer Heads

Sean Strickland

Executive Director
Canada’s Building Trades Unions

Walter R. Thornton

Partner
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP

Elizabeth M. Traynor

Partner
Siskinds LLP
Read Profile

Graham Williamson

General Counsel
LiUNA Local 183

Melissa D. Young

Chief Executive Officer and Registrar
Skilled Trades Ontario

Katherine Jacobs

Director of Research
Ontario Construction Secretariat
Read Profile

Inna Koldorf

Partner, Employment & Labour
KPMG Law LLP

Brian O'Byrne

Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Michael G. Sherrard

Managing Partner
Sherrard Kuzz LLP

Jack J. Slaughter

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board
Read Profile

Sean Strickland

Executive Director
Canada’s Building Trades Unions

Dean Ardron

Partner
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP
Read Profile

David J. Bannon

Partner
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
Read Profile

Benjamin A. Barnes

Partner
Gibson & Barnes LLP

Kathryn Carpentier

Partner
CaleyWray
Read Profile

Aminah Hanif

Associate
Cavalluzzo LLP
Read Profile

Elizabeth M. Traynor

Partner
Siskinds LLP
Read Profile

Tom Mackay

Director, Health and Safety
Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario
Read Profile

Alexis Mantello-Clement

Director of Labour Relations & Legal Counsel
EllisDon Corporation
Read Profile

Sean McFarling

General Counsel
LiUNA OPDC & LiUNA CECOF
Read Profile

Jeffrey D. A. Murray

Partner
Stringer LLP
Read Profile

Tiffany O’Hearn Davies

Senior Associate
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Read Profile

Carl W. Peterson

Partner
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP
Read Profile

Emma Phillips

Partner
Goldblatt Partners LLP
Read Profile

Merissa Preston

Partnerships & Business Development
LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre
Read Profile

Daniel Shields

Partner
Shields O’Donnell MacKillop LLP
Read Profile

Aaron Sinclair

Registered Psychotherapist, Executive Director
De Novo Treatment Centre

Jack J. Slaughter

Vice-Chair
Ontario Labour Relations Board
Read Profile

Margaret Taylor

Executive Director
Ontario Association of Demolition Contractors
Read Profile

Carmine Tiano

Director of Occupational Services
Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Read Profile

Elizabeth M. Traynor

Partner
Siskinds LLP
Read Profile

Graham Williamson

Senior Legal Counsel
LiUNA Local 183
Read Profile

Key Themes and highlights

Key Themes and highlights


NEW!
practical workshop

The Nuts and Bolts of Ontario Construction Labour Law

An informal description for the newly initiated

DECEMBER 6, 2023 | 8:00am – 1:00pm

Enhance your professional development by leveraging the knowledge of two seasoned leaders specializing in construction labour law with more than six decades of combined experience.

Key areas* to be covered include:

  • Construction Industry in Ontario: Adapting to the Commercial Structure
  • Hiring Halls
  • Historical Perspective
  • Craft Unionism
  • Accreditation
  • Sector
  • Consequences of Accreditation
  • Province-Wide Bargaining
  • Certification in the ICI Sector
  • After Certification
  • Contracting Out/Subcontracting
  • Employer in the Construction Industry
  • Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Jurisdictional Disputes
  • *This list is not exhaustive
Construction Labour Relations Speaker Ernie Schirru

Ernie A. Schirru

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Workshop Leaders:

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney

Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Gain a Competitive Advantage in Construction

Whether you are a more seasoned labour relations practitioner who is interested in expanding your opportunities in the growing construction industry or a junior to mid-level professional aiming to be the next rising star, this intensive workshop has been designed to provide you with the practical information and guidance needed to help you quickly navigate the unique world of construction labour law.

The workshop and networking opportunities have been created for the purpose and benefit of the following participants:

  • Labour Relation Lawyers interested in Construction
  • Junior Lawyers and Associates
  • Junior- to Mid-Level In-House Legal Counsel
  • New Business Managers & Representatives
  • Junior- to Mid-Level Construction Association Executives
  • HR and Labour Relations Professionals in the Construction Industry
  • Legal Assistants supporting Lawyers practicing Construction Law
  • Articling Students

Roll up your sleeves for this intensive workshop and benefit from the opportunity to thoroughly understand the fundamentals of construction law, ask the questions you want, and get the answers you need. Acquire the ability to confidently deal with the crucial elements of construction labour relations.

Workshop registration is inclusive of networking breakfast, morning refreshment break and lunch with your peers and partners.


NEW!
practical workshop

The Nuts and Bolts of Ontario Construction Labour Law

An informal description for the newly initiated

DECEMBER 6, 2023 | 8:00am – 1:00pm

Enhance your professional development by leveraging the knowledge of two seasoned leaders specializing in construction labour law with more than six decades of combined experience.

Workshop Leaders:

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney

Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Labour Relations

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Ernie Schirru

Ernie A. Schirru

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Construction Labour Law

Key areas* to be covered include:

  • Construction Industry in Ontario: Adapting to the Commercial Structure
  • Hiring Halls
  • Historical Perspective
  • Craft Unionism
  • Accreditation
  • Sector
  • Consequences of Accreditation

OLD MILL TORONTO

 
  • Province-Wide Bargaining
  • Certification in the ICI Sector
  • After Certification
  • Contracting Out/Subcontracting
  • Employer in the Construction Industry
  • Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Jurisdictional Disputes
  • *This list is not exhaustive

Gain a Competitive Advantage in Construction

Whether you are a more seasoned labour relations practitioner who is interested in expanding your opportunities in the growing construction industry or a junior to mid-level professional aiming to be the next rising star, this intensive workshop has been designed to provide you with the practical information and guidance needed to help you quickly navigate the unique world of construction labour law.

The workshop and networking opportunities have been created for the purpose and benefit of the following participants:

  • Labour Relation Lawyers interested in Construction
  • Junior Lawyers and Associates
  • Junior- to Mid-Level In-House Legal Counsel
  • New Business Managers & Representatives
  • Junior- to Mid-Level Construction Association Executives
  • HR and Labour Relations Professionals in the Construction Industry
  • Legal Assistants supporting Lawyers practicing Construction Law
  • Articling Students

Roll up your sleeves for this intensive workshop and benefit from the opportunity to thoroughly understand the fundamentals of construction law, ask the questions you want, and get the answers you need. Acquire the ability to confidently deal with the crucial elements of construction labour relations.

Workshop registration is inclusive of networking breakfast, morning refreshment break and lunch with your peers and partners.


NEW!
practical workshop

The Nuts and Bolts of Ontario Construction Labour Law

An informal description for the newly initiated

DECEMBER 6, 2023 | 8:00am – 1:00pm

Enhance your professional development by leveraging the knowledge of two seasoned leaders specializing in construction labour law with more than six decades of combined experience.

 
  • Province-Wide Bargaining
  • Certification in the ICI Sector
  • After Certification
  • Contracting Out/Subcontracting
  • Employer in the Construction Industry
  • Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Jurisdictional Disputes
  • *This list is not exhaustive

Key areas* to be covered include:

  • Construction Industry in Ontario: Adapting to the Commercial Structure
  • Hiring Halls
  • Historical Perspective
  • Craft Unionism
  • Accreditation
  • Sector
  • Consequences of Accreditation

Labour Relations

Construction Labour Relations Speaker Ernie Schirru


Ernie A. Schirru

Partner
Koskie Minsky LLP

Workshop Leaders:

Construction Labour Relations Conference Chair Rick J. Charney


Richard J. Charney

Senior Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Gain a Competitive Advantage in the Construction Industry

Whether you are a more seasoned labour relations practitioner who is interested in expanding your opportunities in the growing construction industry or a junior to mid-level professional aiming to be the next rising star, this intensive workshop has been designed to provide you with the practical information and guidance needed to help you quickly navigate the unique world of construction labour law.

The workshop and networking opportunities have been created for the purpose and benefit of the following participants:

  • Labour Relation Lawyers interested in Construction
  • Junior Lawyers and Associates
  • Junior- to Mid-Level In-House Legal Counsel
  • New Business Managers & Representatives
  • Junior- to Mid-Level Construction Association Executives
  • HR and Labour Relations Professionals in the Construction Industry
  • Legal Assistants supporting Lawyers practicing Construction Law
  • Articling Students

Roll up your sleeves for this intensive workshop and benefit from the opportunity to thoroughly understand the fundamentals of construction law, ask the questions you want, and get the answers you need. Acquire the ability to confidently deal with the crucial elements of construction labour relations.

Workshop registration is inclusive of networking breakfast, morning refreshment break and lunch with your peers and partners.

Conference and workshop Registration

Save up to $400

When you Register by September 29, 2023
  •  
SAVE NOW

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Construction Labour Relations Construction Labour Relations Construction Labour Relations 

CONFERENCE:
December 4-5, 2023

Practical Workshop:
December 6, 2023 | 8:00am - 1:00pm

Conference Venue

Construction Labour Relations Old Mill Logo

Old Mill Toronto
21 Old Mill Rd
Toronto, ON M8X 1G5
Tel: (416) 236-2641

Contact

Forum Director

Gene Beil
Email: gene.beil@vertraforums.com
Tel: +1 (416) 900-0963
vertraforums.com

Office Address

VERTRA Forums, Inc.
20 Bay Street, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M5J 2N8 
Canada