Presenters:

Gabe Somjen, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Gabriel practices in the area of Labour and Employment with experience in all areas of labour and employment law including Labour Board matters (provincial and federal); Employment Standards claims; Human Rights claims; Wrongful dismissal claims; Preventive and proactive advice regarding workplace issues and conflicts; and Mitigation and resolution of workplace conflicts as well as harassment issues and Arbitration and Mediation. He has published articles and delivered lectures on various topics in LR including mandatory retirement, collective bargaining, grievances and often presides as Chairman in Labour Arbitrations and Mediations. He was Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board of BC ('80 - '83).

Session 1: Recognizing and Dealing with Workplace Addiction
Workplace addictions such as drugs, alcohol and gambling lead to productivity loss, lower employee morale and increased insurance premiums. This session will help you deal with these problems, learn new data on drug testing and its impact on work safety and performance management, understand current legal issues arising from human rights and privacy acts, what corrective and disciplinary actions can you take within the legal framework, and the right balance between the duty to accommodate and the safety and well-being of other employees.

Margaret Tebbutt, MA, Manager, Mental Health Works, Canadian Mental Health Association of BC Division
Margaret delivers presentations to help employees become aware of mental health in the workplace, and workshops to help managers develop knowledge and skills to effectively discuss mental health issues with employees and create accommodation strategies. Margaret is on the Steering Committee for CMHA's Conference on mental illness in the workplace and is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability. Previously, she held positions as Senior Advisor, Executive Development for UBC's Sauder School of Business; Director, Client Service Delivery with Western Economic Diversification Canada; and in Canada's foreign service.

Session 2: Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
Our second presentation will provide you with practical strategies on how to identify and address mental health issues, including emotional distress and burnout at work. You will view an engaging, multi-media presentation featuring real Canadians who live and work with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. You will also gain useful information and resources for effective performance management when mental health is a workplace concern.