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Empathy as a Strategy: The 3 Questions That Shift How You Live, Work & Lead

People are the backbone of any organization, and learning how to influence them positively can be a game-changer. We are in a time of polarization, burnout and disengagement with five generations working side by side in the workplace.

People bring unique perspectives, values, and approaches to work, shaped by historical events, technological advances, and social movements. While this diversity of thought does bring creativity and innovation, it can also lead to miscommunication, frustration, and missed opportunities for collaboration because of the stereotypes and finger-pointing.

HR leaders need new tools to build trust, dismantle silos, and humanize the workplace. To get people to a place of understanding and connection, this session provides actionable learning to help harness differences as your organization's most powerful engine for innovation, collaboration and success.

Jonah will also share his personal stories and insights as he introduces three powerful questions that can reshape how we live, work and lead - questions that invite deeper insight, challenge assumptions, and transform relationships across differences.

Jonah Ssenyange, Principal Consultant, Nthusa Consulting Group Jonah Ssenyange is a dynamic speaker and strategic advisor known for his ability to inspire and transform individuals and organizations. As the Founder of a boutique leadership consulting firm based in Toronto, his passion is helping leaders level up in their lives and careers while reimagining how organizations function.  He has worked with industry leaders such as Outward Bound Canada, Ellis Don, and the UHN Foundation, among many others. His unique talent for breaking down complex topics while emphasizing the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the value of community makes his teachings impactful and actionable.   With an engaging personality and a deep understanding of human dynamics, Jonah uses a unique blend of authenticity, storytelling and humour, believing his work will ultimately enact positive change in the world one conversation at a time. He is currently one of the instructors of Humber Polytechnic's new Microcredential Certificate: Dismantling Systemic Barriers in People-Centric Practices.

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Four Generations, One Workforce: Rethinking Value Across the Employee Journey

Employees at every life and career stage are navigating financial challenges that directly affect performance, loyalty, and growth. Yet many organizations still treat financial well-being as a personal issue or a “nice-to-have” benefit instead of essential infrastructure.

This session reframes financial stress as a hidden disruptor across generations — from Gen Z grappling with expenses, Millennials managing caregiving and debt, to Gen Xers delaying retirement and slowing succession planning. When ignored, engagement drops and talent mobility stalls. It’s time to rewire total rewards with personalized, purpose-driven strategies that reflect today’s realities — designing smarter, not spending more.

Paul Lai Fatt, Director, Pension Solutions, CAAT Pension Plan Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Paul joined CAAT Pension Plan in 2023 and is a key member of the Pension Solutions team with a focus on the Atlantic Region. Prior to joining CAAT Pension Plan, Paul was a consulting actuary and has provided strategic advice on pension reform, design, merger and sustainability matters for public and private sector pension plan stakeholders in Atlantic Canada. With strong personal and professional ties to all four Atlantic Provinces, Paul is passionate about providing better retirement outcomes for his fellow Atlantic Canadians.  He followed this passion to CAAT Pension Plan and remains excited to bring its various solutions to employers and their employees in the region. A frequent industry speaker on matters concerning pension sustainability, Paul has been invited to speak at events sponsored by the Society of Actuaries, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute, the Ontario Bar Association, the Association of Canadian Pension Management and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists, among others.

Concurrent Block Two: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

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Mini DisruptHR: Big Ideas, Short Talks, Real Impact

Get ready for a rapid-fire dose of fresh perspectives at this Mini DisruptHR breakout session—where bold ideas meet a bold format. Inspired by the global DisruptHR movement, this unique session delivers a series of high-energy, 5-minute talks, each powered by 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds. The result? No fluff. Just real talk on the future of work, from some of Atlantic Canada’s most passionate voices in HR, leadership, wellness, equity, and innovation.

Whether you’re looking to challenge the status quo, recharge your thinking, or walk away with real ideas you can act on immediately—this is the session you won’t want to miss.

Speakers:

• Sarah Manley Robertson, President, Prospect Strategies Ltd ,From Resistance to Results: Your Change Leadership Superpower
• Nick Hounsell, Group Consultant, RBC, Disrupting Financial Stress: How Modern Retirement Plans drive Engagement, Loyalty & Performance.
• Terence Taylor, Speaker & Coach, TALKS TOO MUCH, If I speak, will it matter? Story telling for psychologocal safety
• Karen Dean, Founder, Karen Dean Inc, Stop Telling People to Be Resilient—And Start Making Work Less Brutal
• Jennifer Vey, Founder, Temporary Experts Social Enterprise, Time: The New Currency of Work
• Amit Khurana, Managing Director, Corporate, How to create an EVP
• Jen Warrington, Founder/Principal, The Warrington Group, Unseen Talent is Untapped Profit: Be Seen or Be Left Behind
• Ewa Ulamek, Co-Founder, Well.HR, Are you a Peach or a Coconut? Cracking the code of Cross Cultural Communication at work
  
   

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Transforming how HR sits at the table: From Service Provider to Strategic Partner

This session explores the bold transformation journey of a large, complex public healthcare HR team that redefined its role in the organization - moving from siloed service delivery to co-creating solutions that directly impact system-wide outcomes.

Presented by Anna Marenick, Vice President of People, Culture & Belonging at Nova Scotia Health, the session offers candid reflections on leadership cultural shifts, and operational evolution. Attendees will learn how the People Services team responded to the increasing demands of the healthcare system while strengthening internal capacity to deliver greater strategic value - event amid significant constraints. 

By building trust, embracing a data-informed mindset, and fostering a culture of empowerment the team evolved from a reactive, service-oriented role to a recognized strategic partner, driving meaningful system-wide improvements in areas such as return-to-work, respectful workplace practices, and labour relations. 

Attendees will leave inspired with tangible insights into how to lead transformation from within and unlock HR's full potential to drive meaningful organizational change.

Anna Marenick, CPHR, Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging, Nova Scotia Health Anna Marenick is a successful human resources and transformational leader with extensive regional and national experience.  She has led multi-faceted and complex programs in diverse and challenging environments in both the private and public sector. Anna joined nova Scotia Health in 2021 in the role of Senior Director of Organizational Change Management and later took on the role of interim Senior Director of People Services.  Prior to joining Nova Scotia Health, she was the senior director of people and governance at Develop Nova Scotia. Her creative, inclusive approach to solving complex problems in a variety of settings makes her exceptional at collaboratively propelling ideas and people forward. She sits on the Board of Directors of Saint Mary’s University and Neptune Theatre. She is also actively involved in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Earlier this year, at the Nova Scotia Chartered Professional in HR awards, Anna was presented with the Union Partnership Award, and the NS Health team was presented with the Team of the Year award. Anna has a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from St. Francis Xavier University. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Management Professional and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.

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The Wellness Advantage: Boosting Workplace Well-Being with Pet Insurance and Pet-Friendly Benefits

 

 

OnePack Plan is new to Canada and highlights the tail-wagging benefits of employee wellness programs, showcasing how pet perks can boost the mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being of employees. There are also positive impacts for employers who offer pet benefits, such as reduced group healthcare costs, increased employee satisfaction, enhanced employee engagement, and higher employee retention. 

OnePack Plan is an innovative group-rated pet insurance product that can integrate with benefits administration platforms, simplifying program management for HR professionals and the teams who rely on them. We’ve sniffed out the hidden benefits of supporting pet parents—don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more and unleash the potential of pet benefits!

Dr. Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director, Independence Pet Group Dr. Jennifer Sperry is a licensed veterinarian and the Medical Director at Independence Pet Group. With extensive experience in clinical small animal veterinary medicine, Dr. Sperry stays ahead of the latest trends and advancements in pet health and care, ensuring that Independence Pet Group is poised to deliver the utmost value to pet parents. Dr. Sperry's technical and cultural insights contribute to insurance solutions that meet the needs of today's pet owners. Dr. Sperry educates pet parents about the cost and value of modern veterinary care, drawing attention to the importance of financial readiness for pet medical expenses. She serves as an author, speaker, and medical reviewer, bringing current, relevant, and accurate pet health information to a broad audience of pet parents, veterinarians, and animal lovers. Beyond work, Dr. Sperry is passionate about nature, travelling, and her two- and four-legged children. She shares her home with her husband, two young boys, and a whippet named Mr. Smithers.

Eric Coulson, B. Comm, CIP, CSL, Vice President, Independence Pet Group Eric Coulson is the Vice President at Independence Pet Group (IPG), where he leads the growth, expansion, and strategic direction of the Canadian pet insurance business. With over 30 years of experience in insurance and financial services, including 23 years in the pet industry and 14 years focused on pet insurance where he played a key role in launching Pets Plus Us, our individual pet insurance product in 2012. A recognized leader in the pet insurance space, he is a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of our four-legged family members.

 

Cancer is more than a medical reality; it’s a human, organizational and societal issue. This presentation takes an informed look at the challenges employers and their teams face when dealing with cancer, from being diagnosed to returning to work.
Based on a study of 121 Canadian organizations, we’ll provide an overview of current practices, observed gaps and concrete solutions to better support those affected by cancer. We’ll talk about prevention, disability management, rehabilitation and workplace accommodations.

Objectives

• Understand the impact of cancer on the workforce and workplace.
• Identify how employers can take action.
• Learn about tools, services and policies that promote people-focused, structured and effective support.

This is an opportunity to rethink our group benefits plans and HR practices to build more resilient, inclusive and caring workplaces.
* Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer statistics at a glance. 

Julie Holmes, Senior Advisor in Disability Management, Desjardins Julie is a Senior Advisor in Disability Management at Desjardins. As part of the Best Practice and Innovation team, Julie brings a wealth of experience in Disability Management, where she previously held roles as a Claims Specialist and a Coach Advisor.    Julie’s commitment to building and strengthening relationships with members and clients combined with her expertise and compassion has contributed to her ongoing success at Desjardins and throughout her 20-year career.

Evening Social at The Lower Deck

Wrap up your day with a fun and relaxed evening of networking, music, and good vibes! Presented by Hub International, this social event is your chance to connect with fellow attendees while enjoying live music from Halifax’s own Halifax Pier, who  bring together three of Nova Scotia’s most seasoned and respected musicians. Multiple ECMA and Music Nova Scotia award winning artists, this talented ensemble hits the stage with energy and a passion for what they do, leaving the crowds wanting more!

Mingle, unwind, and make meaningful connections in a casual setting with great company and tasty snacks. Whether you're here to chat, dance, or just soak in the atmosphere, this is the perfect way to end the day.

Don’t miss this highlight of the conference—where business meets fun!

Presented by

 

Concurrent Block Three: 10:10am - 11:10am

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Unlocking Confidence: Building Skills for Independent Workplace Investigations

This session will provide HR professionals with essential tools and techniques to conduct effective workplace investigations confidently. As internal complaints, such as harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence rise, HR teams are increasingly tasked with managing these sensitive issues independently.

Developing strong investigative skills takes practice, but with the right guidance, HR professionals can enhance their skills in this area. This session will cover key topics, including investigation planning, interview preparation, analysis of evidence and forming fair, defensible conclusions.

Participants will gain practical strategies to sharpen their judgement and operate with greater confidence. Emphasizing legal considerations and best practices, this session will empower HR professionals to conduct investigations with integrity and professionalism while fostering a fair, safe, and compliant workplace.

Devan Corrigan, Founder & Principal, Corrigan HR Consulting Devan Corrigan, Founder and Principal of Corrigan HR Consulting,  has several years experience conducting workplace investigations and has done so for such organizations as Resolute Forest Products, Canadian Pacific Railway, Canada Post Corporation, and Glencore Canada Corporation. Devan's firm specializes in conducting workplace investigations including investigating cases of harassment, sexual harassment, violence in the workplace, employee theft/fraud, as well as other forms of employee misconduct. Devan holds a Master of Industrial Relations from Queen’s University as well as an Honours Degree in Psychology and a certificate in Human Resources Management from Saint Mary’s University. Devan is also member of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI). In addition, Devan is the lead facilitator for the  Mastering Fact-Finding & Investigation professional program offered by the Queen’s University Industrial Relations Centre (IRC). Devan has also published several articles for the IRC touching  on various matters related to workplace investigations.

For HR and talent leaders navigating constant disruption - AI adoption, workforce reskilling, and evolving employee expectations - the session provides actionable strategies to lead with confidence and empathy.. This isn’t a theory-heavy session, expect live demos of the latest AI tools and real-world examples of how organizations are adapting to these changing times. 
What we’ll cover: 

• How AI is transforming the HR function and workforce planning.
• Practical ways to lead change with clarity, empathy, and adaptability - while supporting employee well-being.
• Live demos that demonstrate how AI is far beyond writing better emails.
  

Change isn’t coming - it’s here. 

Yves Boudreau, CEO, Careerbeacon   Yves Boudreau is a notable figure in the world of human resources technology and recruitment. He is the CEO of CareerBeacon, a prominent online recruitment and talent acquisition site headquartered in Atlantic Canada. His journey in the HR tech industry has been significant, spanning over a decade. Yves and his co-founder Benoit Bourque, launched Alongside in 2014, an HR software as a service company that’s been backed by some of Canada and Silicon Valley’s most prominent investors including 500 Global, NBIF, and BDC.  In 2021, the company took a pivotal turn when it acquired CareerBeacon from JD Irving, one of Canada’s last independently operated job boards. This acquisition was eventually merged with its own successful human resource technology platform. Today, CareerBeacon continues to be  a key player in Atlantic Canada's job market, catering to over 60 percent of the region's employment needs with thousands of employers and millions of job seekers actively using the site every year.

HR professionals are often relied upon to support others, yet they may overlook their own wellbeing - contributing to a hidden but growing risk of burnout. In this impactful and practical session, Janice Tanner Ernst, an experienced HR leader, shares her personal journey through burnout, including the early signs she missed and the strategies she adopted to recover and rebuild resilience.

She is joined by Dr. Ashley Margeson, a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in burnout and hormonal health, who offers clinical insight into how stress manifests in the body and how it can be effectively addressed. Together, they explore how HR leaders can recognize burnout in themselves and their teams, and  - critically - how they can shape workplace culture, policies, and practices that either accelerate or mitigate burnout. This session equips participants with evidence-based tools and organizational strategies to lead with sustainability, advocate for wellbeing, and foster environments where resilience can thrive.

Dr. Ashley Margeson, ND, COO, Cornerstone Naturopathic | Speaker | Host of The Superwoman Code Dr. Ashley Margeson, ND, is an award-winning naturopathic doctor and speaker who specializes in burnout, resilience, and the science of momentum. As the COO of Cornerstone Naturopathic, she leads a multidisciplinary clinic focused on longevity and lifestyle medicine. Her work bridges the gap between research and real life, helping high-performing individuals and organizations put the life back in their lifestyles. She’s the host of The Superwoman Code, one of Atlantic Canada’s top-downloaded women-led podcast, and a sought-after speaker known for her smart, down-to-earth approach to wellness that actually works — even, and especially, when life is full.

Janice Tanner Ernst, CPHR, Partner, KBRS As a Senior HR Consultant with KBRS, Janice Tanner Ernst partners with organizations to develop people strategies that support stronger cultures and improved performance. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in senior HR roles, Janice brings both strategic insight and practical solutions to every engagement. A skilled speaker and facilitator, Janice is frequently invited to lead sessions on topics such as talent attraction and retention, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and workforce planning. Her approach is grounded in real-world experience across a wide range of sectors and organizational sizes—from small businesses to large, complex enterprises. Janice is known for her ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver insights that are both actionable and tailored to each organization's unique context. Whether guiding executive teams, supporting HR professionals, or presenting to broader audiences, she brings clarity, credibility, and a people-first mindset to every interaction.

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Mind the Gaps: How HR Can Lead on Women's Health