Search, examination and data base summary of documents for Canadian legal cases before arbitrators, tribunals, civil and criminal courts. Strategic planning regarding use of counsel and various legal processes and complaints to the B.C. Ombudsman. Extensive experience using the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (B.C.), Forest Act (B.C.), Access to Information Act and Privacy Act (Canada), Human Rights Act (Canada), Public Service Staff Relations Act (Canada), Public Service Employment Act (Canada) Workers Compensation Act (B.C.), Labour Code (Canada), Financial Administration Act (Canada). Have also used various collective agreements, Employment Standards Act (B.C.) and the Criminal Code (Canada), Islands Trust Act (B.C.), Environment Act (B.C.), Employment Insurance Act (Canada), Ombudsman Act (B.C.) for accessing documents, research or strategic planning for clients.

Extensive experience in the use of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (B.C.) for nine years. Also have used the Access to Information Act (Canada) and the Privacy Act (Canada), the Internet and the B.C. Archives and Legislative Library to access information for clients.

These are programs to assist workers or their families with problems of a personal nature to obtain the assistance they require. These programs were initially for alcohol and drug abuse but have expanded to now include any personal issue that may effect workers or their families. I have experience in the development of policy and procedures for peer referral Employee Assistance Programs; also known as Employee and Family Assistance Programs in both union and non-union workplaces. This is similar to Union Counselor Programs in unionized workplaces. The peer referral model is one that does not involve counseling at the outset but referral to an appropriate agency in the community. A crucial part of any E.A.P. / E.F.A.P. is confidentiality. Training and facilitating workshops for peer referral agents, employees and management is also part of my expertise and key to successful programs.

Some E.A.Ps. include Critical Incident Stress or Post Traumatic Stress Debriefing policy and procedures. These programs go a long way to reduce workplace toxins and provide workers with "creative detours". According to the Vancouver Board of Trade for every $1 that is spent on Employee Assistance Programs there is over $10 saved due to the reduction of sick time used, workplace accidents and increased productivity.

Workshops using the Force Field Analysis process. This process has been used for goal setting for small business marketing, workplace personal and sexual harassment and workplace safety issues, human rights and collective bargaining issues as well as community economic development. Force Field Analysis is a very structured process that identifies all of the key aspects required to achieve any given goal including resource identification and timelines. Groups or individuals as varied as unions or small business associations can benefit from these workshops.

Workplace Awareness of Family Violence

Society is becoming aware of the fact that family violence in the home is not a "private family matter" any longer. Recent Statistics Canada surveys indicate that violence in the home is not an isolated incident that effects victims alone but rather has a ripple effect upon the community as a whole. Employers and unions are acknowledging that workers are connected to their families and do not leave problems of a personal nature at home and hence they have an impact on the workplace. An information and discussion package which contains four one hour modules has been funded by Health Canada and is endorsed by the Clearinghouse on Family Violence and was developed from the input of service providers in every region of Canada. This package was specifically prepared for workplace settings and can be presented (if necessary) during lunch breaks or in one four hour session. The modules cover: Introduction and review of Family Violence; Child Abuse; Wife Abuse; Elder Abuse. The workshops include time for clarification and discussion and are based upon interaction of the facilitator and participants in an adult education format. Individuals are welcome to become involved as much as they feel comfortable. The workshops can easily lead to further sessions with speakers on specific issues (i.e.. parenting of teens, or the care of aging parents).

Marketing to Self Employed Women

Are your staff sending this powerful group of consumers running for the door or hanging up the phone? Find out how to make women who are now the most successful group of small business owners feel welcome and respected in your store or your service related business.

Assistance in preparing clients for tribunals, public hearings, meetings with elected MLAs or MPs; briefs to B.C. Legislative Committees or Canadian Parliamentary Committees. Accompaniment or witness to meetings with I.C.B.C. adjusters, Victim's Assistance, police, W.C.B., employer / employee (non-union workplaces) etc.

Please for a fee schedule.