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Connect with Canada’s top CHROs, develop new strategies for attracting top talent, catch up on the latest trends, and get inspired to bring your HR vision to life, all in one place.

The HR Leaders Summit Canada is your chance to conquer your workforce challenges and embrace the future of work.

We’re bringing together people leaders from across the country for a two-day program dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and invigorating HR teams so that they can create real change in their organizations.

From flexible work arrangements to utilizing AI in your HR strategy, we’re covering the most essential topics, with the help of some of the sector’s biggest names.

Don’t miss out – be part of the conversation this November 12 and 13 at The International Centre.

Why attend?

  • Chat Icon

    Network with 200+ CHROs from across the country

  • Idea Icon

    Discover timely, practical insights on your HR strategy that you can put into action today

  • Bytesize Portfolio Icon

    Exchange ideas face-to-face with your peers during interactive round table discussions

SPEAKERS 2023


Julie Angus
Julie Angus

Molecular Biologist, Adventurer, Writer, & Filmmaker

Guy Beaudin
Guy Beaudin

Senior Partner & Region Lead, Canada
RHR International

Drew Calcagno
Drew Calcagno

Principal, Product Operations, Research & AI
Google

Lorna Clamp
Lorna Clamp

Senior Vice President of Strategy & Culture
Securiguard

Julie Develin
Julie Develin

Principal Human Insights Program Manager
UKG

Cheryl Fullerton
Cheryl Fullerton

EVP People & Communications
Corus Entertainment

Rebecca Barrett
Rebecca Barrett

MSW, RSW, Therapist, Mindfulness Facilitator and Certified Yoga Teacher
Rebecca Barrett Therapy

Rob Catalano
Rob Catalano

Chief Strategy Officer
WorkTango

Ann Clancy
Ann Clancy

Chief People Officer
Canadian Red Cross

Helene Deschamps Marquis
Helene Deschamps Marquis

Global Lead, Cyber Security and Data Privacy
Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

Jane Fedoretz
Jane Fedoretz

EVP People, Talent & Transformation
TransAlta

Jamie Gowryluk
Jamie Gowryluk

Head of Enterprise and Commercial Growth
SkiptheDishes

Pina Guercio
Pina Guercio

Vice President, Global HR
Air Canada

Lauren Johnson
Lauren Johnson

Journalist
Key Media

Jessica Kearsey
Jessica Kearsey

Partner
Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

Jesse Kemp
Jesse Kemp

Learning & Development Specialist
Western Forest Products

Kara MacKillop
Kara MacKillop

President
The Roxton Group

Carolyn Meacher
Carolyn Meacher

Chief People Officer, Canada & Employee Experience Lead
Americas, Dentsu

Nabil Merali
Nabil Merali

SVP and Canada Health & Benefits Co-Leader
AON

Tara Murphy
Tara Murphy

Practice Lead
Human Implications of AI, Deloitte Canada

Cal Rolle
Cal Rolle

Diversity & Inclusion Manager
Novo Nordisk

Karen Stern
Karen Stern

Co-Founder
Sidekick Consulting

Carlee Sawyer
Carlee Sawyer

Managing Director & Thought Leader
O.C. Tanner

Permpreet Soomal
Permpreet Soomal

Chief People Officer
Capital One Canada

Amanda Swant
Amanda Swant

Director of Employee Experience
Labatt Breweries of Canada

Diana Valler
Diana Valler

CHRO
Travel Brands

Ed Yuen
Ed Yuen

Vice President, Strategy
ADP

Christi Scarrow
Christi Scarrow

Partner
LighthouseNINE

Sonia Singh
Sonia Singh

Vice President Sales, Canada
Progyny

AGENDA 2023


All times in ET
  • Registration and breakfast
  • Opening remarks by chairperson
    Karen Stern
    Karen Stern

    Co-Founder
    Sidekick Consulting

  • Welcome address from event partner, UKG
    Julie Develin
    Julie Develin

    Principal Human Insights Program Manager
    UKG

  • Keynote introduction
  • Opening Keynote: Rowboat in a hurricane – Dealing with change and unexpected setbacks

    Imagine surviving a hurricane with nothing more than a rowboat to shelter you. When Julie Angus set off on a quest to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland this was not what she anticipated. But Julie soon realized that to be successful she’d not only need to deal with adversity and uncertainty but embrace it and use it as an opportunity to grow and prosper. Not only did she succeed but she was awarded National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year” for her incredible achievements. Julie shares techniques to deal with changing environments including altering our perception, preparing for the unexpected, assessing risks, and improving communication, and shows how they can be applied to HR strategy.

    Julie Angus
    Julie Angus

    Molecular Biologist, Adventurer, Writer, & Filmmaker

  • Case study: Embedding wellbeing and psychological safety into your company culture

    Wellness is being taken more seriously than ever due to rising cases of stress and burnout, and HR must lead the way in meeting employees’ needs and assess stress levels to avoid burnout before it happens. This session will look at how HR professionals can support mental and physical health to prevent low productivity, absenteeism, and loss of talent, and create a new sense of belonging by showing that they are invested in ensuring a thriving workforce.  

    • Creating a supportive work culture from the top down 
    • Integrating psychological safety through open communication to show that everyone’s input is valued.
    • Assessing workloads, sick leave, and time-off policies to address unnecessary pressures on staff.
    • What benefits have a meaningful impact on employees’ mental, physical, and financial health?
    Julie Develin
    Julie Develin

    Principal Human Insights Program Manager
    UKG

  • Networking coffee break
  • Panel: Optimizing flexible workplaces to increase engagement

    Hybrid work continues to be a major challenge as companies try and balance high expectations for flexibility with the needs of the business and maintaining engagement. This session will look at how organisations can offer flexible work options, while still ensuring an effective culture of communication and cohesion. 

    • How can HR leaders evolve their hybrid work strategy?  
    • Best practices for keeping hybrid workers motivated and engaged  
    • Enabling positive interactions between colleagues and management – both in the office and remotely  
    • Ensuring a positive experience for hybrid and remote workers during key work milestones such as onboarding, promotions and work anniversaries 
    Moderator
    Kara MacKillop
    Kara MacKillop

    President
    The Roxton Group

    Panelists
    Ann Clancy
    Ann Clancy

    Chief People Officer
    Canadian Red Cross

    Cheryl Fullerton
    Cheryl Fullerton

    EVP People & Communications
    Corus Entertainment

    Carolyn Meacher
    Carolyn Meacher

    Chief People Officer, Canada & Employee Experience Lead
    Americas, Dentsu

    Carlee Sawyer
    Carlee Sawyer

    Managing Director & Thought Leader
    O.C. Tanner

  • Networking lunch
  • Panel: Internal development – Investing in the success of top talent

    Between fierce competition for talent, severe retention issues and critical skill gaps, companies need to find new ways to identify opportunities to invest in the career development of their top talent to meet business goals and reduce turnover. This session will explore the importance of enhancing your internal development strategies by providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities and offering career frameworks with a tailored learning and development strategy. 

    • An overview of innovative tools and strategies for supporting and coaching key talent  
    • Connecting development strategies with business priorities to deliver in-demand skillsets  
    • Supporting internal development programs by listening to employees and recognizing and rewarding achievements 
    Moderator
    Jessica Kearsey
    Jessica Kearsey

    Partner
    Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

    Panelists
    Guy Beaudin
    Guy Beaudin

    Senior Partner & Region Lead, Canada
    RHR International

    Jane Fedoretz
    Jane Fedoretz

    EVP People, Talent & Transformation
    TransAlta

    Jamie Gowryluk
    Jamie Gowryluk

    Head of Enterprise and Commercial Growth
    SkiptheDishes

  • Guided Wellness Break
    Rebecca Barrett
    Rebecca Barrett

    MSW, RSW, Therapist, Mindfulness Facilitator and Certified Yoga Teacher
    Rebecca Barrett Therapy

  • Networking coffee break
  • Breakout workshop session – Evolving company culture – Share ideas and develop solutions

    Discuss the topics that matter to you most. This session’s interactive format enables in-depth peer-to-peer discussions around the HR professionals’ key challenges covered in day one, offering an opportunity to network with fellow attendees and exchange best practices.

  • Panel: DEI – Setting goals and achieving measurable results

    In the current era of social change and connectivity, the business case for DEI is stronger than ever, but studies and employee feedback have shown that there is significant progress to be made before workplaces can become truly inclusive and equal. This session will examine recent trends in DEI and provide action points for new initiatives in your organization.

    • Understanding the role of HR in driving DEI initiatives and setting and meeting targets
    • Measuring the effectiveness of organizational initiatives and strategies
    • Leveraging tech to overcome hiring biases and pay inequity
    Moderator
    Lauren Johnson
    Lauren Johnson

    Journalist
    Key Media

    Panelists
    Lorna Clamp
    Lorna Clamp

    Senior Vice President of Strategy & Culture
    Securiguard

    Nabil Merali
    Nabil Merali

    SVP and Canada Health & Benefits Co-Leader
    AON

    Cal Rolle
    Cal Rolle

    Diversity & Inclusion Manager
    Novo Nordisk

    Permpreet Soomal
    Permpreet Soomal

    Chief People Officer
    Capital One Canada

  • Closing remarks by chairperson & Drinks Welcome
    Karen Stern
    Karen Stern

    Co-Founder
    Sidekick Consulting

    Alison Darling
    Alison Darling

    Director, Professional Programs
    Queen’s University IRC

  • Networking drinks reception
  • Registration and breakfast
  • Opening remarks from the chairperson
    Karen Stern
    Karen Stern

    Co-Founder
    Sidekick Consulting

  • Opening keynote: Deep dive on the use of AI in HR and the Future of Work

    This in-depth look at the role of AI in HR will cut through the hype and share detailed data on its uptake, how companies are really using it, and what it is doing for their organizations. 

    • How are companies using AI to boost productivity while managing risk?  
    • What governance and strategy approaches and tools should HR leaders be thinking about? 
    • Equity and fairness considerations: how are AI tools being used in the workplace, and what equity considerations do they raise? 
    Tara Murphy
    Tara Murphy

    Practice Lead
    Human Implications of AI, Deloitte Canada

  • AI and Workplace Investigations: Benefits and Risks

    The use of AI in workplace investigations has become increasingly widespread in recent years. AI technologies, such as predictive analytics and machine learning, are reshaping the landscape of workplace investigations, enabling organizations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and objectivity. This presentation will explore emerging AI trends in this field and discuss the benefits and risks when using them in the workplace. 

    • Use of generative AI in investigations: data analysis and pattern detection (at scale) 
    • Risks of AI: bias, privacy, reliability, and transparency- understanding data sources and doing due diligence 
    • Guardrails: how to use AI tools to enhance but not replace the role of investigators 
    Jessica Kearsey
    Jessica Kearsey

    Partner
    Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

  • Panel: AI in HR – An update on innovative new applications

    AI has taken root in HR departments everywhere. Companies have moved from the experimentation phase to active implementation, using this technology to support core HR functions, such as payroll and benefits, to recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. This session will bring together representatives that have taken the leap with AI to share insights into their processes, policies, and success stories.   

    • Learn what AI can do for your organization, and how to successfully integrate it into workflows  
    • Explore how AI can support multiple HR functions and boost productivity  
    • Understand the potential risks and benefits of integrating AI in your business 
    Moderator
    Jessica Kearsey
    Jessica Kearsey

    Partner
    Deloitte Legal Canada LLP

    Panelists
    Tara Murphy
    Tara Murphy

    Practice Lead
    Human Implications of AI, Deloitte Canada

    Ed Yuen
    Ed Yuen

    Vice President, Strategy
    ADP

  • Networking coffee break
  • Breakout workshop session – Evolving your HR tech strategy – Share ideas and develop solutions

    Discuss the topics that matter to you most. This session’s interactive format enables in-depth peer-to-peer discussions around the HR professionals’ key challenges, offering an opportunity to network and exchange best practices.

  • Networking lunch
  • Panel: Recalibrating talent acquisition strategies to meet business goals

    With the competition for talent at an all-time high, companies are being pushed to dig deeper to find crucial skillsets from new sources and strong “diamond in the rough” candidates. This session will examine how leading companies are adapting their talent acquisition strategies to overcome recruitment challenges and skill shortages.  

    • Develop new strategies to identify candidates with the right skillsets including technical and interpersonal skills 
    • Identify new recruitment channels and optimize the existing channels 
    • Leverage AI to respond to the talent shortfall and fill critical skill gaps 
    Moderator
    Greg Smith
    Greg Smith

    Partner
    LighthouseNINE

    Panelists
    Tamara ElSahyouni
    Tamara ElSahyouni

    Founder
    Talent Engagement Consulting

    Julie Farnsworth
    Julie Farnsworth

    Senior Vice President, People & Culture
    Crescent Hotels & Resorts

    Michelle Loo
    Michelle Loo

    Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
    Linde

  • Guided Wellness Break
    Rebecca Barrett
    Rebecca Barrett

    MSW, RSW, Therapist, Mindfulness Facilitator and Certified Yoga Teacher
    Rebecca Barrett Therapy

  • Networking coffee break
  • Fireside chat:  Leveraging Unique Benefit Programs to Promote a Diverse Culture, and Attract and Retain Top Talent

    1 in 6 couples in Canada today are struggling with infertility. As people begin families later in life and more single parents by choice and same-sex couples opt to have children, there is a significant and growing need for a robust fertility/family planning solution. Fertility coverage from traditional carriers, National and Provincial Healthcare have significant shortcomings and are leaving employees alone, with significant financial stress, and without a baby. This session will look at new strategies for disrupting the status quo when it comes to fertility and family building benefits. 

    • Understanding the importance of benefits that support a diverse population 
    • How can benefits help you to meet your DEI goals? 
    • Ensuring a well-supported, happy and productive employee population 
    Lauren Johnson
    Lauren Johnson

    Journalist
    Key Media

    Sonia Singh
    Sonia Singh

    Vice President Sales, Canada
    Progyny

  • Panel: Employee engagement – Developing purpose, belonging, and resilience

    Continued high turnover is driving companies to seek new ways to engage with employees on a human level to ignite their passion and give a new sense of purpose and belonging. Companies that take two-way communication seriously and invest in their employees are seeing real results in terms of resilience. This session will address how companies can integrate a new culture and leverage tech to achieve new levels of fulfillment and purpose among employees.  

    • Best practices for empowering employees and making them feel valued 
    • Communication strategies that motivate teams and encourage collaboration 
    • Keeping employees engaged by acting on feedback in tangible ways to show that their input counts 
    Moderator
    Christi Scarrow
    Christi Scarrow

    Partner
    LighthouseNINE

    Panelists
    Rob Catalano
    Rob Catalano

    Chief Strategy Officer
    WorkTango

    Pina Guercio
    Pina Guercio

    Vice President, Global HR
    Air Canada

    Jesse Kemp
    Jesse Kemp

    Learning & Development Specialist
    Western Forest Products

    Diana Valler
    Diana Valler

    CHRO
    Travel Brands

  • Closing remarks by chairperson
    Karen Stern
    Karen Stern

    Co-Founder
    Sidekick Consulting

2024 SPONSORS


Gold Sponsors

  • O.C. Tanner
  • Progyny
  • Skip The Dishes
  • UKG
  • Virgin Pulse Canada
  • Wealthsimple

ROUNDTABLE SPONSOR

  • People Corporation

KEYNOTE SESSION SPONSOR

  • Queens University IRC

exhibitors

  • Marberg
  • Sprout

VENUE 2023


The International Centre Mississauga

FLOORPLAN

Floorplan

TRAVEL PLANS

Preferred Accommodation

Hotel room rates are subject to all applicable taxes and fees. Rooms are subject to availability in each hotel from November 12/13 – November 15. We recommend that you book as soon as possible.

HOLIDAY INN TORONTO AIRPORT EAST

600 Dixon Road, Toronto ON, M9W 1J1

Book your group rate via the reservation link or email [email protected]/[email protected]. Use the group name HR Leaders Summit Canada to secure the discounted rate until October 20, 2023.

Room rate: $169 CAD per standard room/night

Cut-off date: October 20, 2023

Check in: 3pm Check out: 12pm

Book your group rate for HR Leaders Summit Canada.

Hotel Parking: Discounted $10.00+13% HST (regular price is $20.00+13% HST), first come first serve.

HOLIDAY INN TORONTO AIRPORT EAST

Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport

6257 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1E4

Book your group rate via the reservation link or call 1-800-368-7764 or 905-678-1400. Use the group name HR Leaders’ Summit Canada to secure the discounted rate until October 12, 2023.

Room rate: $195 per standard room/night

Cut-off date: October 12, 2023

Check in: 3pm Check out: 12pm

Book your group rate for HR Leaders’ Summit Canada.

Hotel Parking: $28 per day

Hotel Concessions:
– Breakfast included.
– Complimentary bottled water in each room
– Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest’s rooms, meeting rooms and public spaces

Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport

THANKS FOR TAKING PART IN THE HR LEADERS SUMMIT CANADA 2023

Missed the 2023 event? Register your interest to participate in HR Leaders Summit 2024

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