Decoding the Codes: What's the Impact of Bills 79 and 149?
February 29
Ontario’s introduction of Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023 aims to provide greater protection and benefits to employees and improve working conditions, thus marking a monumental shift in employment law. This shift is poised to redefine the employment landscape, and this conference is your gateway to understanding the intricacies and implications of the Working for Workers Act. Along with exploring the latest updates to Bill 79, we’ll also look at the trajectory of change thus far and what this means for employer compliance, including relevant considerations and practical concerns.
Although this conference precedes the official passing of this legislation, Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, remains pending, its potential impact demands consideration now. We’ll explore what’s on the horizon for Bill 149, a spectrum of topics that will provide invaluable insights for HR Professionals to consider implementing as best practices and workforce management strategies now.
This event is set to be your comprehensive guide to the Working for Workers Act.
Registration is FREE for HRPA members.
HRPA's member learning programming goal for 2024 is all about quality and enhanced value for your HRPA membership. This year's micro-conferences (February, April, September) will be FREE virtual events to members, aiming to offer up a total of 12 CPD hours. That's a savings of $120 per event! Not a member yet? Become one today.
About
Ontario’s introduction of Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023 aims to provide greater protection and benefits to employees and improve working conditions, thus marking a monumental shift in employment law. This shift is poised to redefine the employment landscape, and this conference is your gateway to understanding the intricacies and implications of the Working for Workers Act. Along with exploring the latest updates to Bill 79, we’ll also look at the trajectory of change thus far and what this means for employer compliance, including relevant considerations and practical concerns.
The Act includes a range of provisions, including newly announced key components such as:
- Inclusion of remote workers in the definition of an establishment
- Mass termination obligations
- Information for new employees
- Amending reservist leave for job protection
- Increased occupational health and safety fines as well as fines to protect vulnerable workers
Although this conference precedes the official passing of this legislation, Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, remains pending, however, its potential impact demands consideration. We’ll explore what’s on the horizon for Bill 179 – a spectrum of topics that will provide invaluable insights for HR Professionals to consider implementing as best practices and workforce management strategies now.
Some of the topics covered by Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023 are as follows:
- New job posting requirements, including salary ranges, use of artificial intelligence, ban on requiring Canadian work experience.
- New requirements for payment of wages via direct deposit
- New tip sharing requirement
- No deductions for customer theft
- Compensation for “Trial Periods”, and
- Amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 to permit indexing increases to WSIB benefits above the annual rate of inflation.
Industry experts will unravel the complexities of the Working for Workers Act as we delve into the key provisions that are reshaping the employer-employee dynamic. The topics covered will help ensure that you and your organization are well-equipped to effectively strategize and navigate evolving employment legislation.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Working for Workers Act, keeping yourself well-informed about the latest legislative changes that impact HR practices.
- Elevate your HR practices by learning how the Act will influence key areas such as employment standards, workplace accommodations and overall employee-employer relations.
- Explore best practices and practical solutions for implementing the Working for Workers Act within your organization, enabling you to address challenges effectively.
- Invest in your professional development by staying up-to-date on the latest legislative developments, making yourself a valuable asset to your organization while advancing your career in HR.
- HR Managers and HR Directors who lead the planning and execution of HR strategies and legal compliance.
- HR professionals who need to understand legal rights and responsibilities in their work, such as HR Recruitment Specialists, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR Business Partners and HR Tech Specialists.
- Organizational Development professionals and others who lead or execute OD strategies and programs in their organizations.
- Business Leaders who are responsible for leadership training and development, employee engagement and policy development.
- HR professionals who are involved with organizational effectiveness, psychological safety and change-management and IDEA principles.
- Non-HR professionals who manage workplaces or worker issues.
- Other ancillary professionals who may require legal awareness and compliance, including employment lawyers, students of law, EDI professionals, Health and Safety professionals, etc.
Agenda
Date: Thursday, February 29
Duration: 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Virtual participation: Live stream via ON24
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome, Land Acknowledgement and Event Kickoff
Speaker(s): Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | New Year, New Law: Unveiling Bill 79 and Anticipating Bill 149 – Insights for Success
Embark on a journey through Ontario’s evolving legal terrain as we decode Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023, which aims to elevate employee protection, benefits and working conditions. This legislative overhaul promises to reshape the employment landscape fundamentally. Our conference is your compass for navigating these intricacies and understanding the profound implications of the Working for Workers Act.
Examine the recent updates to Bill 79 and gain invaluable insights into its implications for employer compliance. Learn about crucial provisions, such as the inclusion of remote workers in the establishment definition, mass termination obligations, new employee information requirements, reservist leave amendments, and heightened fines for occupational health and safety violations. While Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, remains pending, its potential impact demands consideration.
The Standing Committee on Social Policy will conduct public hearings that will influence the future of this legislation. Although this conference precedes the hearings’ outcomes, this session will delve into critical issues pertaining to Bill 149. Topics addressed will include new job posting requirements, direct deposit wage payments, tip-sharing regulations, restrictions on deductions for customer theft, compensated trial periods, and amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Join us in this enlightening discussion and arm yourself with knowledge to thrive in the face of legislative change.
Speaker(s): Diane Harbin (she/her), Associate, Hicks Morely
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Energy Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Prospects and Pathways: Canadian Economic and Labour Outlook 2024
What opportunities and challenges does Canada’s economic and labour market present? This session comprehensively explores the factors shaping the Canadian economic and labour landscape.
Explore the intricacies of Canada’s economic forecast by understanding the key drivers, trends and potential disruptions that may influence businesses in 2024.
Discover how businesses can thrive in this dynamic environment, by focusing on strategic planning, resource allocation and adaptation to emerging market forces.
Speaker(s): Pedro Antunes, (he/him), Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Energy Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Investing in Workforce Sustainability: Navigating Attraction, Onboarding, and Retention Dynamics
Explore essential strategies for HR professionals in talent investment, workforce sustainability, and optimizing onboarding and retention practices. Join us to examine key trends including the ongoing demand for skilled talent, the rise of hybrid work models, and the imperative of fostering an inclusive work environment. Discover actionable insights on preventing turnover, effective allocation of investments in the employee experience, and other critical considerations for shaping a resilient and forward-thinking workplace.
Speaker(s): Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half
12:30 PM – 12:45 AM | Energy Break
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Open Forum: Ask An Expert
This session encourages participants to contemplate the insights gained throughout the day and pose questions for further clarification on topics addressed earlier in the programming.
We also encourage participants to complete the pre-event survey to submit discussion topics and questions prior to the event.
Moderator: Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Speakers(s): Diane Harbin (she/her), Associate, Hicks Morley; Pedro Antunes, (he/him), Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada; Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM | Closing Remarks and Event Wrap Up
Speaker(s): Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Conference Fees
This event is FREE for HRPA members! Not a member yet? Become one today.
Not sure of your schedule? Register virtually for on demand access!
Whether you attend the virtual sessions live or not, registering will give you access to the conference recordings. On-demand viewings qualify for CPD hours and recordings are made available for one year post-event date.
| Virtual | Members and Students | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Save My Spot January 17 – 25 | Free | |
| Early Bird January 26 – February 8 | Free | |
| Regular February 9 onward | Free | $120 |
Speakers
Pedro Antunes (he/him)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
As the thought leader and spokesperson for the Conference Board’s suite of economic forecast products, as well as other reports and economic indicators that relate to Canada and its regions. Mr. Antunes has provided expert testimony before parliamentary committees. He makes numerous presentations on economic topics and dialogues with Canadian leaders, the public and media about issues important to Canada.
Mr. Antunes joined the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada. In addition to his contribution to regular forecast products, Mr. Antunes led research on the impact of demographic change on the financial sustainability of public health care, productivity and other issues affecting the long-term economic growth for Canada and its provinces. He also worked on several international projects, helping decision-makers in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Ukraine develop appropriate forecasting and policy analysis tools.
Pedro is fluent in both official languages. He is married with one son and enjoys hikes with his dog and playing soccer.
Mr. Antunes holds an M.A. (Economics) from Queen’s University and a B.A. (Honours Economics) from Bishop’s University.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with both the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle joined Robert Half in October 2016 and is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing both contract and permanent placement teams within the Marketing and Creative, Technology, Legal and Management Resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that will engage her teams and support their growth, Michelle also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies
Diane E. Harbin (she/her)
Associate, Hicks Morley
Diane is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She offers advice and representation to employers and management in the public and the private sectors on a wide range of labour, employment and human rights issues. Her work includes grievance arbitrations, human rights and accommodation, employment standards and workplace health and safety.
Diane obtained her Juris Doctor from Western University’s Faculty of Law. While at Western, Diane volunteered with the Sport Solution Clinic and the Dispute Resolution Centre. Here she also worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant and was selected for an international internship with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.
Prior to law school, Diane earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Queen’s University. She articled with Hicks Morley before returning in 2022 as an associate.
Pedro Antunes (he/him)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
As the thought leader and spokesperson for the Conference Board’s suite of economic forecast products, as well as other reports and economic indicators that relate to Canada and its regions. Mr. Antunes has provided expert testimony before parliamentary committees. He makes numerous presentations on economic topics and dialogues with Canadian leaders, the public and media about issues important to Canada.
Mr. Antunes joined the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada. In addition to his contribution to regular forecast products, Mr. Antunes led research on the impact of demographic change on the financial sustainability of public health care, productivity and other issues affecting the long-term economic growth for Canada and its provinces. He also worked on several international projects, helping decision-makers in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Ukraine develop appropriate forecasting and policy analysis tools.
Pedro is fluent in both official languages. He is married with one son and enjoys hikes with his dog and playing soccer.
Mr. Antunes holds an M.A. (Economics) from Queen’s University and a B.A. (Honours Economics) from Bishop’s University.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with both the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle joined Robert Half in October 2016 and is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing both contract and permanent placement teams within the Marketing and Creative, Technology, Legal and Management Resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that will engage her teams and support their growth, Michelle also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies
Diane E. Harbin (she/her)
Associate, Hicks Morley
Diane is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She offers advice and representation to employers and management in the public and the private sectors on a wide range of labour, employment and human rights issues. Her work includes grievance arbitrations, human rights and accommodation, employment standards and workplace health and safety.
Diane obtained her Juris Doctor from Western University’s Faculty of Law. While at Western, Diane volunteered with the Sport Solution Clinic and the Dispute Resolution Centre. Here she also worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant and was selected for an international internship with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.
Prior to law school, Diane earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Queen’s University. She articled with Hicks Morley before returning in 2022 as an associate.
Please complete our sponsor submission form here.
Contact Adam Hart, Business Development Manager, to learn more about partnership or sponsorship opportunities.
Tel: 416.923.2324 ext. 7353
Email: ahart@hrpa.ca
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Robert Half offers contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Visit RobertHalf.ca.
About
Ontario’s introduction of Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023 aims to provide greater protection and benefits to employees and improve working conditions, thus marking a monumental shift in employment law. This shift is poised to redefine the employment landscape, and this conference is your gateway to understanding the intricacies and implications of the Working for Workers Act. Along with exploring the latest updates to Bill 79, we’ll also look at the trajectory of change thus far and what this means for employer compliance, including relevant considerations and practical concerns.
The Act includes a range of provisions, including newly announced key components such as:
- Inclusion of remote workers in the definition of an establishment
- Mass termination obligations
- Information for new employees
- Amending reservist leave for job protection
- Increased occupational health and safety fines as well as fines to protect vulnerable workers
Although this conference precedes the official passing of this legislation, Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, remains pending, however, its potential impact demands consideration. We’ll explore what’s on the horizon for Bill 179 – a spectrum of topics that will provide invaluable insights for HR Professionals to consider implementing as best practices and workforce management strategies now.
Some of the topics covered by Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023 are as follows:
- New job posting requirements, including salary ranges, use of artificial intelligence, ban on requiring Canadian work experience.
- New requirements for payment of wages via direct deposit
- New tip sharing requirement
- No deductions for customer theft
- Compensation for “Trial Periods”, and
- Amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 to permit indexing increases to WSIB benefits above the annual rate of inflation.
Industry experts will unravel the complexities of the Working for Workers Act as we delve into the key provisions that are reshaping the employer-employee dynamic. The topics covered will help ensure that you and your organization are well-equipped to effectively strategize and navigate evolving employment legislation.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Working for Workers Act, keeping yourself well-informed about the latest legislative changes that impact HR practices.
- Elevate your HR practices by learning how the Act will influence key areas such as employment standards, workplace accommodations and overall employee-employer relations.
- Explore best practices and practical solutions for implementing the Working for Workers Act within your organization, enabling you to address challenges effectively.
- Invest in your professional development by staying up-to-date on the latest legislative developments, making yourself a valuable asset to your organization while advancing your career in HR.
- HR Managers and HR Directors who lead the planning and execution of HR strategies and legal compliance.
- HR professionals who need to understand legal rights and responsibilities in their work, such as HR Recruitment Specialists, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR Business Partners and HR Tech Specialists.
- Organizational Development professionals and others who lead or execute OD strategies and programs in their organizations.
- Business Leaders who are responsible for leadership training and development, employee engagement and policy development.
- HR professionals who are involved with organizational effectiveness, psychological safety and change-management and IDEA principles.
- Non-HR professionals who manage workplaces or worker issues.
- Other ancillary professionals who may require legal awareness and compliance, including employment lawyers, students of law, EDI professionals, Health and Safety professionals, etc.
Agenda
Date: Thursday, February 29
Duration: 8:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Virtual participation: Live stream via ON24
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome, Land Acknowledgement and Event Kickoff
Speaker(s): Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | New Year, New Law: Unveiling Bill 79 and Anticipating Bill 149 – Insights for Success
Embark on a journey through Ontario’s evolving legal terrain as we decode Bill 79, the Working for Workers Act, 2023, which aims to elevate employee protection, benefits and working conditions. This legislative overhaul promises to reshape the employment landscape fundamentally. Our conference is your compass for navigating these intricacies and understanding the profound implications of the Working for Workers Act.
Examine the recent updates to Bill 79 and gain invaluable insights into its implications for employer compliance. Learn about crucial provisions, such as the inclusion of remote workers in the establishment definition, mass termination obligations, new employee information requirements, reservist leave amendments, and heightened fines for occupational health and safety violations. While Bill 149, the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, remains pending, its potential impact demands consideration.
The Standing Committee on Social Policy will conduct public hearings that will influence the future of this legislation. Although this conference precedes the hearings’ outcomes, this session will delve into critical issues pertaining to Bill 149. Topics addressed will include new job posting requirements, direct deposit wage payments, tip-sharing regulations, restrictions on deductions for customer theft, compensated trial periods, and amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Join us in this enlightening discussion and arm yourself with knowledge to thrive in the face of legislative change.
Speaker(s): Diane Harbin (she/her), Associate, Hicks Morely
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Energy Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Prospects and Pathways: Canadian Economic and Labour Outlook 2024
What opportunities and challenges does Canada’s economic and labour market present? This session comprehensively explores the factors shaping the Canadian economic and labour landscape.
Explore the intricacies of Canada’s economic forecast by understanding the key drivers, trends and potential disruptions that may influence businesses in 2024.
Discover how businesses can thrive in this dynamic environment, by focusing on strategic planning, resource allocation and adaptation to emerging market forces.
Speaker(s): Pedro Antunes, (he/him), Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Energy Break
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Investing in Workforce Sustainability: Navigating Attraction, Onboarding, and Retention Dynamics
Explore essential strategies for HR professionals in talent investment, workforce sustainability, and optimizing onboarding and retention practices. Join us to examine key trends including the ongoing demand for skilled talent, the rise of hybrid work models, and the imperative of fostering an inclusive work environment. Discover actionable insights on preventing turnover, effective allocation of investments in the employee experience, and other critical considerations for shaping a resilient and forward-thinking workplace.
Speaker(s): Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half
12:30 PM – 12:45 AM | Energy Break
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Open Forum: Ask An Expert
This session encourages participants to contemplate the insights gained throughout the day and pose questions for further clarification on topics addressed earlier in the programming.
We also encourage participants to complete the pre-event survey to submit discussion topics and questions prior to the event.
Moderator: Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Speakers(s): Diane Harbin (she/her), Associate, Hicks Morley; Pedro Antunes, (he/him), Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada; Michelle Dunnill, Regional Director, Robert Half
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM | Closing Remarks and Event Wrap Up
Speaker(s): Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP, Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Conference Fees
This event is FREE for HRPA members! Not a member yet? Become one today.
Not sure of your schedule? Register virtually for on demand access!
Whether you attend the virtual sessions live or not, registering will give you access to the conference recordings. On-demand viewings qualify for CPD hours and recordings are made available for one year post-event date.
| Virtual | Members and Students | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Save My Spot January 17 – 25 | Free | |
| Early Bird January 26 – February 8 | Free | |
| Regular February 9 onward | Free | $120 |
Speakers
Pedro Antunes (he/him)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
As the thought leader and spokesperson for the Conference Board’s suite of economic forecast products, as well as other reports and economic indicators that relate to Canada and its regions. Mr. Antunes has provided expert testimony before parliamentary committees. He makes numerous presentations on economic topics and dialogues with Canadian leaders, the public and media about issues important to Canada.
Mr. Antunes joined the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada. In addition to his contribution to regular forecast products, Mr. Antunes led research on the impact of demographic change on the financial sustainability of public health care, productivity and other issues affecting the long-term economic growth for Canada and its provinces. He also worked on several international projects, helping decision-makers in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Ukraine develop appropriate forecasting and policy analysis tools.
Pedro is fluent in both official languages. He is married with one son and enjoys hikes with his dog and playing soccer.
Mr. Antunes holds an M.A. (Economics) from Queen’s University and a B.A. (Honours Economics) from Bishop’s University.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with both the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle joined Robert Half in October 2016 and is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing both contract and permanent placement teams within the Marketing and Creative, Technology, Legal and Management Resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that will engage her teams and support their growth, Michelle also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies
Diane E. Harbin (she/her)
Associate, Hicks Morley
Diane is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She offers advice and representation to employers and management in the public and the private sectors on a wide range of labour, employment and human rights issues. Her work includes grievance arbitrations, human rights and accommodation, employment standards and workplace health and safety.
Diane obtained her Juris Doctor from Western University’s Faculty of Law. While at Western, Diane volunteered with the Sport Solution Clinic and the Dispute Resolution Centre. Here she also worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant and was selected for an international internship with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.
Prior to law school, Diane earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Queen’s University. She articled with Hicks Morley before returning in 2022 as an associate.
Pedro Antunes (he/him)
Chief Economist, The Conference Board of Canada
As the thought leader and spokesperson for the Conference Board’s suite of economic forecast products, as well as other reports and economic indicators that relate to Canada and its regions. Mr. Antunes has provided expert testimony before parliamentary committees. He makes numerous presentations on economic topics and dialogues with Canadian leaders, the public and media about issues important to Canada.
Mr. Antunes joined the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada. In addition to his contribution to regular forecast products, Mr. Antunes led research on the impact of demographic change on the financial sustainability of public health care, productivity and other issues affecting the long-term economic growth for Canada and its provinces. He also worked on several international projects, helping decision-makers in Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Ukraine develop appropriate forecasting and policy analysis tools.
Pedro is fluent in both official languages. He is married with one son and enjoys hikes with his dog and playing soccer.
Mr. Antunes holds an M.A. (Economics) from Queen’s University and a B.A. (Honours Economics) from Bishop’s University.
Diane Biesinger (she/her), CHRP
Manager, People and Culture, HRPA
Diane Biesinger has more than 20 years of experience in HR and has enjoyed working in a wide range of industries from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Diane holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation as awarded by the HRPA. She currently brings her passion for HR to the role of HR & Learning Specialist at the HRPA, where her focus runs the range of the workplace experience for all HRPA employees, “keeping the lights on in HR” and delivering on the association’s strategic initiatives.
Diane is proud that HRPA has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW Canada for the last four years and is looking forward to having that continue and improve. Prior to joining HRPA, she spent six years in the telecommunications space working with companies such as Bell and Rogers, as Director of HR. She is passionate about IDEA (inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility) and supporting leaders and staff to promote organizational objectives. Diane likes to bring her whole self to work and is enthusiastic about relationships as she brings a genuine love of people, especially our differences, to her daily interactions.
Michelle Dunnill
Regional Director, Robert Half
Michelle is a Regional Director with Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. In her role, she is responsible for all practice groups in downtown Toronto, working in collaboration with both the leadership and branch teams.
Michelle joined Robert Half in October 2016 and is passionate about supporting her ever-growing dynamic team and building strong relationships with clients. Prior to her current role, she was Branch Director, Toronto, overseeing both contract and permanent placement teams within the Marketing and Creative, Technology, Legal and Management Resources practice groups.
A dedicated leader, Michelle and her team have diverse recruitment and sourcing experience within all industries and take great pride in their ability to think strategically and match talented candidates with the right organizations. With a passion for prioritizing opportunities that will engage her teams and support their growth, Michelle also actively participates with local professional associations to promote Robert Half’s thought leadership and resources.
Prior to joining Robert Half, she worked in the staffing industry for 15 years, securing and providing top talent to many Fortune 500 companies
Diane E. Harbin (she/her)
Associate, Hicks Morley
Diane is a labour and employment lawyer in Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She offers advice and representation to employers and management in the public and the private sectors on a wide range of labour, employment and human rights issues. Her work includes grievance arbitrations, human rights and accommodation, employment standards and workplace health and safety.
Diane obtained her Juris Doctor from Western University’s Faculty of Law. While at Western, Diane volunteered with the Sport Solution Clinic and the Dispute Resolution Centre. Here she also worked as a teaching assistant and a research assistant and was selected for an international internship with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team.
Prior to law school, Diane earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Queen’s University. She articled with Hicks Morley before returning in 2022 as an associate.
Please complete our sponsor submission form here.
Contact Adam Hart, Business Development Manager, to learn more about partnership or sponsorship opportunities.
Tel: 416.923.2324 ext. 7353
Email: ahart@hrpa.ca
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Robert Half offers contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Visit RobertHalf.ca.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
Supporting Sponsors
