2003

November 26, 2003

“Bullying and the Toxic Workplace”

Peter Frost, Sauder School of Business, UBC
Connie Kilfoil, Legal Counsel for CUPE – BC
Art VanPelt, Corporate Director Human Resources for Overwaitea Food Group

One of the most significant issues in many workplaces is bullying of employees. This is one sign of a “toxic” workplace. Toxic workplaces can cause severe stress and reduced productivity among managers and employees.

Peter Frost, from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and author of the internationally-acclaimed book, Toxic Emotions at Work, will identify the causes and signs of a toxic workplace and how this climate leads to bullying.

Connie Kilfoil, legal counsel for CUPE – BC will discuss her organization’s efforts to deal with this problem.

Art VanPelt, Corporate Director Human Resources for Overwaitea Food Group will present a management perspective of the problem.

May 26, 2003

“Work – Family Life: Can They Be Balanced?”

Paula Cayley, President & CEO of Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation
Donna Wilson, Vice President of Human Resources at Vancity Credit Union
Dale Lauber, Salary & Indemnity Plan Administrator at B.C. Teachers’ Federation

One of the major challenges facing Canadian workers, employers and families is balancing work and family responsibilities. Workers increasingly are concerned with their children’s education and well being, as well as ensuring elderly relatives receive adequate attention.

The BCIRA has assembled a panel of experts to discuss these issues from different perspectives.

Paula Cayley, MSW, RSW is the President and CEO of Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation. She will review the problems clients present to counselors and the research sponsored by Health Canada on balancing family life and work.

Donna Wilson is the Vice President of Human Resources at Vancity Credit Union, one of the province’s largest financial institutions. She will discuss her organization’s experiences with these issues, both positive and negative.

Dale Lauber is the Salary and Indemnity Plan Administrator for the BC Teachers’ Federation. His duties include assisting disabled teachers to return to work. He will present the policies his organization has implemented to assist members.