Humyra Sabir – Executive Director of Workplace Policy and Legislation, Alberta Labour

Janet Salopek – President & Senior Consultant, Salopek & Associates Ltd.

Leah Fochuk – Consulting Services Manager, Salopek & Associates Ltd.

With legal marijuana just around the corner, employers need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. Organizations and HR professionals need to answer questions regarding acceptable level of use, required policies and procedures, and violation of rules. Using the “Workplace marijuana possession/use” case study, Adam Czarnecki will lead a discussion on the myths and realities of cannabis usage in the workplace, including types of cannabis products, medical marijuana, recreational uses, human rights vs privacy vs safety, and workplace readiness.

This session will provide HR legislation updates, including the impact of marijuana legalization on the workplace. Additionally, a segment on HR metrics will address new reporting requirements and use of strategic volunteers. Presented by Adam Czarnecki and Janet Salopek. Watch this session.

In tough times charities and not for profit organizations may see starting a social enterprise as a way to maintain financial stability. This session will cover the different sections of the Income Tax Act that deal with charities and not-for-profits who are involved with social enterprise or other businesses. The types of structures and the risks associated with these structures will be discussed. Recent CRA audit activity in this area will also be reviewed.

Would your organization be able to absorb a large unexpected expense that might arise from a sudden unplanned event? The answer for many nonprofits is ‘no’. That is where insurance steps in – to help organizations cope with financial consequences of unpredictable events. This session will help your organization identify risks and protect itself through a review of the different types of insurance, when each type is required, the amount of coverage required, and how rates are determined. More information

The Pembina Institute and the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance – in partnership with the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations – invite you to discuss how energy efficiency programs can lower costs for low-income households, create jobs, and significantly reduce operations costs for non-profits — leaving you with more funds for your core services.

This facilitated workshop will also seek your input on how new energy efficiency programs — to be developed by the end of this year — could enable participation from the non-profit sector.

Workshop includes:

• Presentation on benefits and lessons from successful nonprofits
• Group discussion on Calgary/Alberta-specific barriers and solutions
• Policy recommendations and opportunities for nonprofits in Alberta

Each year approximately 50% of Albertans donate some of their time to volunteer. As with the employer-employee relationship, volunteer relationships involve varying degrees of risk. Charities and nonprofits can cause liability to volunteers and volunteers can cause liabilities to organizations. If your organization utilizes volunteers it is important to be informed. This session will cover legal and practical considerations for managing volunteer liability.

Terminating an employment relationship is never easy. Whether for performance reasons, shortage of work or lack of funding, terminations are emotionally charged, which can cloud judgement. This session will cover what you need to know to effectively manage risks associated with terminations, and to handle termination in a fair and balanced manner. More information