Federally regulated workplaces are governed by a distinct harassment and violence prevention regime under the Canada Labour Code and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations. Understanding the federal framework, recent case law, and the practical realities of these investigations is essential for anyone working in this space. Learn from Michael Adams, Fiona H. McFarlane, and Leanne Walsh, about the legal requirements, emerging decisions, and practical considerations for both internal and external investigators operating in federally regulated environments.

About the Speakers 

Michael Adams is an employment lawyer who entered the field in 2017. He began his career at a leading national law firm, advising  clients on complex workplace matters. He then moved in house, working in employee relations for a major Canadian bank before joining a leading European ban where he regularly conducts internal workplace investigations.

Fiona H. McFarlane is a Senior Associate and Workplace Investigator with KSW Lawyers. Fiona has extensive experience working with individuals and small business clients throughout British Columbia. She regularly conducts investigations, advises on and prepares employment contracts, respectful workplace policies, and human rights complaints. Fiona’s primary areas of practice are workplace investigations, employment contracts and workplace policies, human rights, disability issues, administrative law, legal drafting, analysis and strategy, as well as compliance and governance matters. Throughout the years, Fiona has frequently volunteered to speak about employment law matters including sexual harassment in the workplace, the Intersection of Human Rights and Employment Law (in 2021) and Privacy in the Workplace—A Review of the Law and Recent Developments (in 2020) as faculty with the CLE BC.  

Leanne Walsh is an employment lawyer, workplace investigator (AWI-CH) and mediator (Q.Med.). She is the founder of West Coast Workplace Law, located in Richmond, BC. Leanne conducts investigations throughout Canada, working in variety of workplaces and sectors, including unionized and non-unionized workplaces, the Federally regulated sector, as well as not-for-profit and private sector businesses. She also regularly advises organizations on best practices in investigations. With a view to building better workplaces, she also mediates workplace disputes and conducts workplace assessments. She is a roster member of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety Registry of Investigators and is co-founder and former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Workplace Investigations section and former Chair of its ADR Vancouver section.