Convention Spotlight: RMRF Legal Seminar

In this week’s Convention Spotlight, we will take a deeper dive into what participants can expect during our Legal Seminar Pre-Convention session on Tuesday, September 24, hosted by our partners at Reynolds Mirth Richards and Farmer LLP. You can read below to learn more about the session and why it might be beneficial for you to attend!

Part One (morning): Municipal Liability, led by Sean Ward & Daina Young

In this session we will review and discuss a number of recent Court decisions, from all levels of Court, which seem to reveal a judicial shift toward imposing greater responsibility on municipalities.  We will discuss how those decisions impact the protection afforded by the statutory defences municipalities have historically relied upon and what this means from a practical perspective in the provision of services to residents and visitors.

Key takeaways:

• Trends in Municipal Liability: Discuss recent Court decisions with respect to liability arising from municipal infrastructure and facilities, and the trend in decisions imposing greater responsibility on municipalities.
• Impact on Statutory Defences: Learn how these trends affect the statutory defences municipalities have traditionally relied upon, and consider whether the same defences will continue to be available.  
• Practical Implications: Gain insights into the practical consequences of these legal changes on the provision of municipal services to residents and visitors, including potential increases in legal exposure.
• Risk Management Strategies: Explore strategies to mitigate increased liability risks and ensure compliance with the evolving legal standards.

Part Two (afternoon): Ensuring a Safe Work Environment – OH&S Requirements for Municipal Councils, led by Lauren Chalaturnyk & Andrew Skeith

The law imposes several obligations on employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees—and may impose serious sanctions where those obligations are not met. This session will review the various ways in which the law mandates a safe workplace, the consequences for failing to provide one, and tips for reducing risks to employers. Tailored for municipal council members and senior administration, attendees will gain valuable insights into their legal responsibilities, effective risk management strategies, and fostering a culture of safety.

Key takeaways:

•  Understanding Legal Obligations: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific legal obligations under Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) laws that are imposed on municipal employers.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Attendees will learn about the serious sanctions and legal consequences that can arise from failing to meet OH&S obligations, emphasizing the importance of compliance.
• Risk Management Strategies: The session will provide practical tips and strategies for identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, helping to reduce risks to both employees and the municipality.
• Fostering a Safety Culture: Insights into how to effectively promote and maintain a culture of safety within the municipal workforce through continuous training and proactive safety measures.
• Incident Reporting and Response: Best practices for reporting, investigating, and responding to workplace incidents will be discussed to ensure swift and appropriate action.

Our Pre-Convention sessions are a great way for municipal leaders to broaden their knowledge of municipal issues, or to sharpen the knowledge they already have. To learn more about all of our sessions, visit our Convention event website.  

Already registered for Convention and want to add a Pre-Convention Session? Simply email registration [at] abmunis.ca (registration[at]abmunis[dot]ca) and our staff can help you out.