Volunteer Track Presentation Information
Volunteer Track Presentation Information
PLEASE NOTE THIS TRACK HAS A MAXIMUM OF 225 PARTICIPANTS.
From Hiring to Retirement - the Life of a Firefighter
From the first spark of recruitment to the final call before retirement, the volunteer firefighter's journey is filled with dedication, duty - and complex workplace dynamics. We'll take you through the full lifecycle of the volunteer experience, highlighting key labour relations challenges from onboarding and training to discipline, retention, and post-service recognition.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Harassment 101
Workplace harassment is a growing concern in fire services; it can occur anywhere, anytime - and escalate quickly. It is important that you not only know how to respond in a timely and appropriate way to protect your team and your department, but incorporate policies and practices to help avoid incidents altogether.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Mandatory Retirement for Volunteer Firefighters?
Mandatory retirement for volunteer firefighters is a hot-button issue. This session will explore how age, safety, and fairness collide under human rights and labour law..
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Volunteer Firefighters and WSIB - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
When it comes to WSIB coverage for volunteer firefighters, the rules can be as complex as the calls they respond to. This session breaks down the good - the protections and presumptive coverage the recognize their risks; the bad - the gaps, claims challenges, and administrative hurdles; and the ugly - what happens when benefits, liability, and municipal responsibilities collide.
Presenter(s): Jamie Burns with Markham and Oscar the Service Dog
Legal Compliance and Risk Management - Minimizing your legal risk as a Volunteer / Composite Chie
As a Volunteer or Composite Fire Chief, you have a duty to ensure your department operates within a complex and evolving statutory landscape. This session will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to remain compliant with the law while minimizing your risk.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Lessons Learned from Listowel
The tragic loss of two firefighters in the line of duty left a department and its community griveing - and it also underscored the critical importance of leadership and legal preparedness in high-risk workplaces. Chief Janny Pape and Chief Chris Harrow will share the story of their experience, the lessons learned, and the labour and employment issues that arose.
Presenter(s): John Saunders, Chief Janny Pape and Chief Chris Harrow
What Does it Mean to Train for "Competency"?
Learn how competency-based training intersects with labour relations, from fair evaluation and documentation to managing performance issues and duty-to-accommodate obligations.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Recruitment and Retention
Join us for an engaging and lively panel discussion on recent issues in recruitment and retention in the volunteer service.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Runnymede PTSD Program
Learn about the Runnymede Healthcare Centre's Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Centre of Excellence for First Responders, the new Ontario initiative for first responders who are affected by work-related trauma and stress.
Presenter(s): Runnymede
Forest Firefighting - New Staffing Challenges
From chronic shortages, seasonal turnover, burnout, pay gaps, lack of formal training, to bear safety - new staffing challenges are emerging. We'll explore recent experiences and emerging strategies to manage staffing issues regarding wildland firefighting.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Case Law Update
We'll unpack the latest labour and employment rulings that are shaping the workplace and share practical takeaways you can apply immediately. End the conference with the insider knowledge you need to stay compliant.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team
Compensation and Benefits - rates, benefits, OMERS, Oh My!
This session explores the complex world of compensation and benefits for volunteer firefighters. We'll explore trends around the province and provide practical takeaways around compensation practices in the volunteer fire sector.
Presenter(s): Hicks Morley Team