HR Law Canada is launching a new webinar aimed at helping employers navigate one of the most complex phases of employee relations: determining appropriate actions after a workplace investigation concludes.
The Post-Investigation Blueprint, scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026, will bring together two leading voices in the field — employment lawyer Kelly VanBuskirk of VanBuskirk Law in Saint John, N.B., and behavioural scientist Dr. Bill Howatt, founder of Howatt HR in Ottawa — who will outline best practices for imposing discipline, resolving conflict, and rebuilding trust inside teams.
The session is designed for HR leaders, people managers, employee-relations practitioners, legal advisors and organizational leaders responsible for implementing decisions after misconduct is substantiated.
“Investigations don’t end when the fact-finding stops,” said Todd Humber, publisher of HR Law Canada and HR News Canada. “Employers are still left with the most difficult part of the process: deciding what to do next, and doing it in a way that is fair, defensible and respectful to everyone involved.”
VanBuskirk will focus on the legal framework that governs disciplinary responses, including proportionality, consistency, and the importance of documentation. His portion of the program will examine how employers can evaluate the severity of misconduct, weigh mitigating and aggravating factors, and ensure that their decisions can withstand scrutiny if later challenged.
Howatt’s segment will shift attention to the human dynamics that frequently surface after an investigation. He will discuss the effects of misconduct on workplace culture, the risks associated with unresolved tension, and strategies for restoring team cohesion. He is expected to outline practical steps employers can take to support staff, rebuild safety and strengthen trust.
Humber said the combination of legal and behavioural perspectives is deliberate.
“Too often, employers look at discipline purely through a compliance lens,” he said. “But resolving an incident isn’t just about meeting the legal standard. It’s also about repairing relationships, helping people feel safe again and giving teams a path forward.”
The webinar will cover communication strategies, confidentiality considerations, the role of restorative practices, preventing retaliation, and designing follow-up plans that ensure sustained improvements. Attendees will also receive a structured framework they can adapt to their own organizations.
Registration for The Post-Investigation Blueprint is now open. The session runs live on Jan. 15, 2026, with all registrants receiving a Zoom link and access to the recording afterward.
Secure your spot today at https://hrlawcanada.com/post-investigation-blueprint/
