Navigating Uncertainty: Legal Considerations for Employers

Rising tensions with the U.S., economic uncertainty, and disruptive technologies are forcing employers to adapt once again. How do these changes impact workplace policies, benefit programs, and legal obligations? Join us for a discussion on the latest employment and benefits law developments.

• How is AI changing HR and benefits, and where does innovation cross into legal risk?

• Workplace expectations are evolving— is your organization meeting its obligations when it comes to workplace and psychological safety?

• With more gig and contract workers the definition of employment is being tested - what are the key legal considerations for employers?

• As employees work longer, are benefit programs keeping up with evolving needs? Understand the legal and practical considerations of benefits beyond age 65.

• The conversation around employer obligations for employees on long-term disability benefits is changing - what should employers be considering as legal landscapes shift?

Pension Regulatory Update

Canadian pension plans inhabit a dynamic landscape with significant challenges ahead: sustainability, public / private sector gaps, interjurisdictional differences in regulation, expanding funds, and financial market volatility, among others.  In this session, we will hear from representatives from the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Superintendents of Pensions about on recent changes to pension legislation, their experiences over the past couple years, and any developments to guidance, as the pension model continues to evolve in the Atlantic region and across the country.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to address the panel with their own questions regarding current regulation or possible future directions.

Our Presenters:

Chad Sullivan, Partner, Stewart McKelvey Law

Chad represents employers in labour, employment, human rights and privacy matters. Chad works with a broad variety of clients in the public and private sectors, spanning industries such as manufacturing, trucking, construction, IT and post-secondary education. He has represented employers before various administrative tribunals and at all levels of Court in New Brunswick. Samples of his work include:

• Defending employers in wrongful dismissal actions, labour arbitrations, human rights complaints and before the Labour and Employment Board.
• Defending complaints made by employees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Acting for employers before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.
• Advising organizations on privacy issues and disclosure requirements under Right to Information legislation.

Maryse Gagnon-Ouellette, Director of Pensions, Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick  

Maryse is a graduate form the Université de Moncton with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Bachelor of Laws degrees. She joined the NB public service in 2006 where she has held various policy roles, including with the division responsible for the administration of the New Brunswick public sector pension plans. After nearly a decade in the public service, Maryse joined an international human resources consulting firm where she served as both an internal and external legal resource on pension related matters. In July of 2022, she joined the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick as Director of Pensions. In addition to overseeing the overall operations of the Pensions Division, Maryse represents the Commission on several Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) committees.

Maryse is a member of the Law Society of New Brunswick and the Canadian Bar Association. She was also a contributing author to the Morneau Shepell Handbook of Canadian Pension and Benefit Plans (16th and 17th editions).

Patti Trenholm - Deputy Superintendent of Pensions Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board

Patti joined the Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board as Deputy Superintendent of Pensions in April 2022.  In this role she is responsible for the administration and application of the Nova Scotia Pension Benefits Act and Regulations. She also makes recommendations in the development of legislation and regulations to ensure the preservation and protection of pension plans and their members. With over 13 years’ previous experience as an Analyst within the Pension Regulation Division, she has a solid background in the regulatory field.

Patti has also worked as a Pension Analyst and Senior Consultant with Lifeworks and as the Group Pension and Benefits Manager for a Nova Scotia-based private holding company with employees across five provinces, overseeing six defined benefit and five defined contribution pension plans. Her time spent working in the private sector has enriched and informed her perspective as a regulator.

Patti is a member of the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities. She has earned degrees from the University of King’s College and Mount Saint Vincent University and has attained Advanced Trust Management Standards and Certificate Employee Benefits Specialist designations from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.