Workplace Investigator & Mediator

Experience

With over 30 years' experience in the labour and employment fields, Andrew has participated in hundreds of mediations and workplace investigations involving human rights, wrongful and unjust dismissal, disability leave and benefits, harassment, bullying and discrimination, workplace violence, and other workplace misconduct. He has also assisted with disputes over public policy involving associations, unions, and governments, at both national and international level.

Andrew’s practice has included a wide range of industries, including mining, post-secondary education, public health and hospitals, finance, and utilities.

Prior to becoming a mediator and workplace investigator, Andrew led a team of more than 50 lawyers and employee-relations professionals, supporting a company operating in over 50 countries. He has also been a spokesperson at the national and international level, speaking about law and public policy, and many employment-related issues.

Training & Education

Andrew is trained and experienced in conducting independent, impartial investigations with respect to workplace violence and harassment (including sexual harassment), and workplace misconduct in general (especially involving senior- or executive level management).

He obtained an LLB from the University of Ottawa, and an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School. Andrew has completed the ADR and Advanced ADR Workshops offered by the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law and the Stitt Feld Handy Group, and has studied other aspects of ADR at the University of Toronto and Osgoode (York) through his LLM. He obtained his undergraduate degree, an Honours BA in Political Science and Sociology, from McMaster University.

Roster of Approved Investigators and Ontario/ Canada Investigator Requirements

Andrew is included on the Roster of Investigators established in consultation with a tripartite expert group of federally regulated employers and labour representatives to facilitate the engagement of qualified, professional investigators by organizations needing to investigate and address occurrences of workplace harassment and violence are compliant with the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act (PESRA), and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations;

Investigations reflect the requirements of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety provisions on harassment and violence in the workplace (PART III.0.1), the Canada Labour Code provisions set out in Part XX of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and relevant human rights legislation on discrimination and harassment.

Workplace Remediation and Mediation

Disruptive behaviour in the workplace can impact the culture of an entire organization. If requested, Andrew will provide recommendations for workplace remediation, provide coaching to the parties involved, and training on related matters to all levels of an organization.

Andrew is flexible in his approach and emphasizes respect for the interest of all parties in dispute. He has a solid foundation in employment law, and understands both the business world and the needs of employees. He believes there is a solution to every conflict, and it is the job of the mediator to help the parties find that solution.