The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

Trauma-Informed Leadership
2026-01-08 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-13 10:00 - 13:00 (America/St_Johns) | Online
A compassionate and trauma-informed approach to leadership is essential for creating healthy workplace cultures. Trauma is prevalent in our world and has an impact on many of the people we interact with, including staff and colleagues. Based on our book, A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces, this workshop explores how to lead with a trauma-informed approach and provides five key principles that trauma-informed workplaces embody. By embracing these principles, organizations can contribute to the positive transformation of individuals and relationships affected by trauma, while at the same time creating the conditions that lead to high levels of employee engagement and organizational success. Every organization, from any sector, can benefit from becoming trauma-informed.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Discuss the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals and organizations
List five key trauma-informed principles
Describe practical strategies for implementing each of the five trauma-informed principles
Assess their own organization for areas of trauma-informed strengths and weakness

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

Trauma’s Ripple Effect
The Impact of Trauma in the Workplace
Characteristics of a Trauma-Informed Leader
5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces – Promote Awareness, Shift Attitudes, Provide Choice, Foster Safety, Highlight Strengths
Steps for Implementing Principles

Target Audience
This is an intermediate-advanced level workshop for leaders, managers, supervisors, and anyone providing leadership within an organization.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Kristen Deuzeman
Kristen is an Organizational Psychologist who specializes in psychological assessments. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, and her graduate work at both the University of Ottawa and Concordia University. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, Kristen is the clinical director for a psychological services agency. As a leader, she believes that continuous development and self-awareness is essential to one’s ability to serve others. As a trainer, Kristen combines her experience in organizational psychology and clinical work to enhance self-discovery and skill development for participants. She is a passionate facilitator who uses warmth and humour to create engaging and meaningful workshops. Read blogs written by Kristen here.

Emotional Intelligence: Knowing and Using Our Emotions to Thrive at Work
2026-01-13, 2026-04-15 | Online
Emotions are powerful and can be challenging to define, yet they play a crucial role in our interactions and well-being. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others.

This workshop explores the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, giving you the tools to enhance your emotional awareness and communication skills. Through self-assessment and skill development exercises, you will learn to identify and articulate your own emotions, constructively respond to the emotions of others, and create an environment where everyone feels heard and understood. You will gain practical skills to improve your emotional intelligence, leading to better relationships and more effective leadership.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Define emotional intelligence
Recall the five skill areas of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional regulation, noticing others, social facilitation, engagement balancing
Practice associating their own physical sensations with named emotions
Strengthen their own emotional intelligence using exercises they have practiced during the workshop
Apply their understanding of emotional intelligence to reading the emotions of others and facilitating desired outcomes in practical workplace scenarios

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

Some of the Topics Included

What Emotional Intelligence Is
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
The Five Skills of Emotional Intelligence (S.E.N.S.E.): Self-Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Noticing Others, Social Facilitation, Engagement Balancing

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Tim Plett

Tim has provided leadership in the non-profit, higher-education, adventure sports, and arts sectors for over 30 years, with a focus on collaborative leadership and communications. His educational background includes studies centered on the interdisciplinary realms of leadership, philosophy, and counselling. Tim has additional training in coaching, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and emergency medical intervention. He believes that we do our best work together, which is why his approach to training emphasizes the themes of collaboration, interdependence, and development. Tim is a thoughtful presenter with a subtle sense of humour and a passionate heart, who facilitates learning experiences that are engaging, educational, and memorable.

De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations
2026-01-13, 2026-02-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
This workshop is provided in partnership with our partner organization, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI). Workshop details may be sent to you via email from CTRI.

If you work with people, it’s crucial to know how to defuse dangerous situations before they become violent. This workshop will equip you with a trauma-informed approach to de-escalate situations with confidence, interpersonal communication skills, and empathy.
You will explore the dynamics of how our brains manage escalating emotions, identify enablers of violence, and learn regulation skills so you can confidently navigate tense situations. By the end of this training, you will have a clear understanding of how to assess the potential for violence and respond with a diverse set of interpersonal tools and strategies.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Explore the importance of using a trauma-informed approach in the de-escalation process
Identify common trauma responses and your role in escalation
Understand the importance of emotion regulation in successful de-escalation
Implement a practical de-escalation framework
Review and practice de-escalation strategies

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, and small group discussions.

Some of the Topics Included

A Trauma-Informed Approach
Putting Trauma Responses in Context
Emotion Regulation and the Triune Brain
The Impacts of Emotionally Heightened Situations
Co-Regulation
Overview of Violence
Behaviours of Concern and Enablers of Violence
Rating Your Workplace Risk Levels
The De-escalation Process: Awareness, Connection, Problem-Solving, Closing
Promoting Strategies for Whole-Brain Integration
When and How to Disengage
Practice Scenarios
Special Considerations for Unique Situations

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop for anyone who wants to learn trauma-informed interpersonal strategies to de-escalate emotionally heightened situations and prevent violence.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Leita McInnis
Leita (she/her) is an organizer, advocate, and therapist who supports people impacted by violence, policing, and the criminal (in)justice systems. Drawing on anti-oppressive, transformative, relational, and trauma-informed approaches in her practice, she works to support individuals as they unpack the impacts of systemic oppression and journey towards healing, wholeness, and reclamation. Prioritizing community-led initiatives, group work, and radical community building, Leita is committed to decolonization, resistance, and the de-professionalization of therapy. Her practice focuses on the complexities of violence, dismantling the perpetrator/survivor binary, accountability, repair, and transformation. She has a profound belief that no one is disposable and comes to this work with a commitment to radical compassion, curiosity, and humility. As a trainer, Leita invites participants to reflect on their own experiences, co-creating a learning space where everyone feels comfortable to share their successes. She also provides opportunities to reflect on more difficult experiences, ask questions, and learn practical, relational approaches to supporting others.

Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Challenging Discussions
2026-01-15, 2026-03-31, 2026-06-03 | Online
Whether sharing bad news with a client, providing corrective action, or talking with a colleague about an uncomfortable issue, difficult conversations are typically stressful and often take a large mental and emotional toll. Many people avoid difficult conversations for these reasons, or find themselves ill prepared when they must have them. Yet, the ability to handle difficult conversations respectfully and professionally is one of the most important skills for success in the workplace. This workshop will review the key elements of preparing for, conducting, and concluding difficult conversations. Participants will leave with a set of tools to help ensure that difficult conversations are productive, professional, and respectful for all involved.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Describe how to prepare for the next difficult conversation you encounter
Identify when and how to conduct a difficult conversation
List some tools to help you in your difficult conversations

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

Some of the Topics Included

Types of Difficult Conversations
Our Natural Responses to Difficult Conversations
Determining if a Conversation is Necessary
How to Stop Avoiding the Interaction
How to Prepare for the Difficult Conversation
Key Skills and Strategies for Engaging
What to Do If They Won’t Engage
Concluding the Conversation
Keys for Delivering Bad News
How to be Open to Receiving the Difficult Conversation

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop applicable to both employees and managers.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Author: Andrew Wychnenka
Andrew is a conflict management professional with over a decade of experience in delivering conflict management services such as mediation, coaching, and training in a variety of sectors. He is passionate about helping people understand conflict and find solutions to problems that seem insurmountable on their own. He has a bachelor’s degree in Conflict Resolution Studies and Psychology and holds a Chartered Mediator designation through the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada. He has conducted over 100 mediation processes in court, family, workplace, and community settings, and has over 18 years of service as a leader in the Canadian military, which includes a deployment to Afghanistan. He also spent five years as a conflict management expert for a government department where he offered internal mediation services, training, and group processes. Andrew believes that a having a mindset that focuses on seeking understanding is the key to resolving conflict. As a facilitator, he is passionate about making the content of a workshop relatable through practical examples and dialogue among participants.

Assertive Communication
2026-01-20, 2026-03-11, 2026-06-10 | Online
Our communication skills and style are essential to positive and productive relations. Effective communication requires us to be clear about our own thoughts and desires, and also to be responsive to those of others. Assertive communicators express ideas and feelings in transparent, open, and direct ways – stating their needs clearly and without defensiveness. In this training, participants will build an awareness of their communication patterns and learn to deal confidently with people around them. This workshop is fun, meaningful, and highly effective for improving communication awareness and skills.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Define assertive communication
Practice giving an assertive opinion
Discuss personal boundaries and practice saying no when appropriate
Outline the steps for giving corrective feedback in the form of a DESO script
Identify options for responding to negative feedback

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

What’s Required for Effective Communication
Assertiveness Self-Assessment
Characteristics of Aggressive and Passive Communicators
Assertive Communicator Characteristics
Assertive Body Language
Guidelines for Offering an Opinion
Strategies for Giving Directions
How to Say “No” Assertively
Skills for Making Requests
Giving Corrective Feedback
Dealing with Difficult Responses

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Jessica Antony
Jessica is a communications specialist with over a decade of experience helping others share their stories, with a focus on collaborative communication, editorial development, and content creation. She has a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications and a master’s degree in Media Studies. Jessica facilitates workshops on leadership, communication skills, and content creation, and has been teaching in the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications at the University of Winnipeg since 2009. In all her work, she is committed to developing and maintaining trusting relationships, with an attention to cultural differences, working styles, and mutual goals. Jessica is enthusiastic about helping people strengthen their ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and with ease. She is a dynamic and engaging facilitator who is enthusiastic about understanding people’s communication styles and approaches to help them improve their capacity to effectively and respectfully communicate with those around them. Read blogs written by Jessica here.

Management and Supervision: The Crucial Skills
2026-01-22, 2026-03-17, 2026-05-28 | Online
One of the most difficult and often overlooked aspects of moving into a supervisory or management position is developing the skills necessary to truly manage people. Without intentional training, many new managers are left to figure things out on their own – for better or worse. Like all skills, effective management and supervisory skills must be learned. This workshop presents the crucial skills for managing employment relationships from beginning to end, with particular focus on hiring and performance management. Participants will also consider how their communication and personal approach to management affects the people they lead.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

To appreciate the critical role of management and supervision in creating healthy workplaces
To understand their own management style and how that may affect those they supervise
How to hire and initiate the employment relationship to create the best chance of generating engagement
How to manage the employment relationship through performance management practices
How to initiate discipline in ways that are respectful and dignified for all parties

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study examples, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

The Role of Management
Essential Management Aptitudes and Skills
Management Styles Assessment
How to Adapt Your Management Style
Hiring New Employees for Talent and Fit
Managing Employee Performance
Writing Objective Performance Evaluations
Stages of Progressive Discipline
Terminating the Employment Relationship

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop for leaders, managers and supervisors, and anyone who is a leader within an organization.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Marc Charbonneau
Marc is an entrepreneurial business consultant with over 20 years of leadership experience, specializing in strategic planning, business development, and project management. He is a graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Computer Engineering. Marc served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer. Upon retirement from the RCN, Marc transitioned to the private sector. He has held progressive leadership positions at Lockheed Martin Canada, Bluedrop Training and Simulation, Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems, Irving Shipbuilding and the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. Marc recognizes the importance of supporting and serving those we lead. He believes people are our best assets, and organizations thrive and succeed when our teams are engaged with an inspiring purpose, are guided by values-based leadership, and are supported with processes and tools to get the job done. Marc is an engaging presenter who likes to weave pertinent examples pulled from his personal and professional experiences, and he encourages meaningful exchanges amongst participants to further reinforce the lesson at hand.

Managing the Unexpected
2026-01-28, 2026-03-26 | Online
When you work with people, the unexpected is bound to happen. And as a team lead, it’s your job to adapt, make decisions under pressure, and communicate these to your team.

This workshop gives you practical tools and skills to address emotionally complex, people-centred workplace challenges, such as major illnesses, sudden departures, ethical breaches, and other destabilizing disruptions. You’ll be challenged to address the unexpected using a trauma-informed lens, so you can navigate these situations with compassion, clarity, and confidence. When you take a trauma-informed approach, you better understand the human impacts of these types of events and can reduce their duration and impact.
You’ll leave this workshop knowing how to facilitate recovery, reflection, and renewal after a destabilizing event, so you can create a culture of readiness and a more resilient team.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Understanding the Impacts of Unexpected Events
Cultivating a Trauma-Informed Mindset
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ineffective Leadership
Effective Communication and Decision-Making Under Pressure
Cultivating a Culture of Readiness
Addressing Common Destabilizing Disruptions
Addressing Common Destabilizing Disruptions Recovery, Reflection, and Renewal

Method of Delivery
Presentation, case studies, experiential practice, personal reflection, and small group discussions.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Understanding the Impacts of Unexpected Events
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Ineffective Leadership
Effective Communication and Decision-Making Under Pressure
Cultivating a Culture of Readiness
Addressing Common Destabilizing Disruptions

Target Audience
This workshop is for leaders, supervisors, managers, HR professionals, or anyone who wants to learn key skills to guide their team through unexpected, people-related disruptions in the workplace.
Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Mark Schinkel

For over 30 years, Mark Schinkel has served in public education as a Teacher, School Administrator, Executive Superintendent of Human Resource Services, and Senior Superintendent of Student Achievement and Well-Being with the Waterloo Region District School Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, as well as Bachelor of Education and Master of Religion degrees. Mark’s commitment to organizational excellence, building highly effective teams, and leadership development provides a wealth of practical experience in creating the conditions that allow employees to flourish in a safe, inclusive, healthy, purposeful, and productive work environment. He believes that effective leaders leverage and nurture the natural relationship between productivity, organizational goals, healthy work environments, and individual well-being. As an experienced and considerate facilitator, Mark places a high value on creating an engaging, practical, and fun learning experience that is focused on identified participant learning goals and outcomes. Read blogs written by Mark here.

Conflict Resolution Skills
2026-01-30, 2026-03-17, 2026-06-16 | Online
Unhealthy and poorly managed conflict can have a negative impact on individuals and groups. People who master essential conflict resolution skills reduce the occurrence of negative conflict, leading to healthier, happier relationships and work environments. Many conflicts would not spiral out of control if people used conflict resolution techniques that are easy to learn and utilize. This workshop explores the various dynamics of conflict, including its sources and how it often escalates in predictable patterns. Participants will learn skills for responding confidently and effectively to conflict.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Understand common roots of conflict and how it escalates so that they can address it at the appropriate level and time
Use practice models for addressing conflict rooted in misunderstandings, disagreements, and different personal styles
Effectively utilize the four-part framework for conducting positive conflict resolution conversations

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

How Conflict Escalates
Dealing with Misunderstandings
The Intention Check Tool
Strategies for Dealing with Disagreements
The Interest Check: Moving from Positions to Interest
Conflict Resolution Style Preferences
The Style Check Tool
Key Skills for Conflict Resolution
Trigger Phrases to Avoid
Strategies for Staying Calm in Conflict
The Four-Part Conflict Resolution Process

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Alana Abramson
Alana is an experienced leader and has extensive mediation and group facilitation experience in justice, community and school settings. She holds a PhD in Criminology on the topic of transformational learning. As a former Executive Director for a non-profit organization, Alana’s experience in mentoring and leadership has provided her with a unique skill set that combines academic understanding with practical knowledge. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, she is a full-time faculty member in criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she continues to inspire and be inspired by students and diverse colleagues. Alana believes in collaborative dialogue and life-long learning as a source of personal and social transformation. She is an engaging presenter who is passionate about her work, which allows her to easily facilitate ongoing learning for workshop participants.

AI in Regulation 2026 Conference
2026-02-02 - 2026-02-03
Join the AI in Regulation 2026 Conference. This national gathering brings together regulators, policymakers, and government leaders from Canada and abroad to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping regulation. Building on the success of the 2025 inaugural event, the 2026 program shifts from early exploration to practical action in adoption, implementation, and oversight. This year’s expanded agenda reflects the critical importance of governance training, equipping board members and senior leaders with the strategic insight, frameworks, and tools required to help their organizations address AI challenges and opportunities with confidence. Over two days, delegates will gain the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to respond decisively to disruption and protect the public interest.
Day 1: An exclusive training session for Councils and Boards, led by MDR Strategy Group and The Regulator’s Practice.
Day 2: National Conference
For more information please click here.

Personality Differences in the Workplace
2026-02-10 | Online
Personality differences often lead to miscommunication and conflict, which affect both our personal efficiency and team health. Utilizing the ACHIEVE Work Styles Assessment, participants will learn to better understand personality styles that are different from their own. Greater awareness of personality differences leads to improved personal effectiveness and group productivity. Participants will learn strategies for communicating more effectively based on their own personality strengths and the personality-based preferences of others.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Describe the four work styles
List behaviors associated with the four work styles
Identify blind spots of each of the four work styles
Practice interacting with the four work styles

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Understanding the Four Work Styles
Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Dynamics
Adapting Your Style
Assessing Other Styles
Potential Blind Spots
Strong Teams and Healthy Work Environments

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Lateef Habib

Lateef is an experienced leader who has held various leadership positions in educational and clinical settings. He is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Lateef also serves as an Assistant Professor and Faculty Field Instructor with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary and is an Honorary Clinical Instructor at Walden University. As a leader, Lateef focuses on inspiring the teams he leads to uphold a high standard of integrity. He works to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and comfortable to express their thoughts, ask questions, and share experiences without fear of judgement. Lateef believes that facilitating crucial conversations in a non-threatening manner is key to ensuring that individuals feel heard, understood, and supported. He draws on his leadership experience and passion for his work to provide energetic, insightful, and interactive presentations.

2026 PLEAC Conference
2026-02-18 - 2026-02-20
The 2026 PLEAC Conference will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, on February 18 and 19, 2026, at the Westin Ottawa, with an additional day for providers of public legal education and information on February 20 at the University of Ottawa, Learning Crossroads.
Register Here!
Here’s what you need to know:

The deadline to register is Tuesday, February 10.
Conference details will continue to be updated on the PLEAC 2026 Conference website. The registration form, FAQ, agenda, and speakers can all be found there. Some details are still being finalized and will be posted on an ongoing basis, so we strongly recommend checking back regularly for updates.
The registration fee for the two-day conference (February 18 and 19) hosted at the Westin, Ottawa, is $100/per person. The registration fee for the three-day conference, including the additional day for PLEI providers (February 18, 19, and 20), hosted at the University of Ottawa, is $125/per person.
Registration is first-come, first-served. We’re happy to welcome multiple representatives from your organization, but please note that space is limited, especially for the third additional day at UOttawa.
The keynote address will be presented by Shauna Van Praagh, professor at McGill University Faculty of Law and President of the Law Commission of Canada.
Plenary topics this year will focus on the following conference themes:

the role of public legal educators in building understanding of the rule of law
using evolving technologies effectively
applying data in practical ways to inform and improve public legal education
strategies for connecting with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities
supporting the critical justice-related work of non-lawyer community workers across Canada

Workshops will mirror these conference themes.
Spotlight sessions, a new addition to this year’s conference, are short 20-minute sessions featuring a specific PLEI project or initiative.

Additional conference details are coming soon, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact hholmes@pleac-aceij.ca.

Communication: The Crucial Skills
2026-03-13 | Online
In order to survive and thrive in the 21st century workplace, we all need to master the fundamentals of communication. Our ability to communicate effectively is directly linked to our success in meeting the needs of employers, colleagues, customers, and clients. This workshop focuses on the core skills for communicating with clarity in the workplace. Participants will hone their verbal communication strategies including speaking and listening skills. They will also learn approaches for utilizing communication technologies such as phone, email, and video conferencing more effectively. This training will give participants tools and strategies to communicate with clarity and purpose while choosing the best medium for the message.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Identify steps to improve skills to listen, speak, persuade, email, and text
Describe positive communication with coworkers
List steps for effective communication
Identify a plan of meaningful communication in one’s own work environment

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, demonstration of skills, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

The Complexity of Communication
Communication Styles
The Importance and Role of Body Language
Skills for Connecting with Others
Strategies for Speaking Effectively
Tools for Persuading Others
Phone Etiquette
Making Email Work for You and Your Recipients
Technology and Communication

Target Audience
This is an introductory level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Jessica Antony
Jessica is a communications specialist with over a decade of experience helping others share their stories, with a focus on collaborative communication, editorial development, and content creation. She has a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications and a master’s degree in Media Studies. Jessica facilitates workshops on leadership, communication skills, and content creation, and has been teaching in the Department of Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications at the University of Winnipeg since 2009. In all her work, she is committed to developing and maintaining trusting relationships, with an attention to cultural differences, working styles, and mutual goals. Jessica is enthusiastic about helping people strengthen their ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and with ease. She is a dynamic and engaging facilitator who is enthusiastic about understanding people’s communication styles and approaches to help them improve their capacity to effectively and respectfully communicate with those around them. Read blogs written by Jessica here.

Managing Difficult Phone Calls
2026-03-24 | Online
Handling difficult interactions on the phone is a challenging task, especially if the caller is in a heightened state of emotion. For many, the ability to navigate difficult phone conversations with respect and professionalism is an essential workplace skill. This workshop is designed to provide practical strategies for dealing with clients and customers over the phone who are in a heightened emotional state. Participants will learn over-the-phone techniques for de-escalating anger, resolving conflict, and communicating effectively.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Apply effective listening skills to enhance understanding
Support emotionally heightened clients over the phone
Problem-solve with clients for best outcomes
Demonstrate a plan for delivering bad news

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

The Complexity of Phone Communication
Qualities of a Skilled Communicator
Key Skills for the Phone – Tone, Volume, and Inflection
Communication Style Test
Practical Tips for Calming the Distressed Person
Identifying and Prioritizing Issues Raised
Delivering Bad News
Effective Notetaking
Politely Ending the Conversation

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.

Trainer: Christina Reimer
Christina has a diverse background as a leadership trainer, director and team building and conflict resolution facilitator. With a PhD in religion, she teaches university courses on ethics, the world’s major religions, and other topics. Christina has travelled extensively and worked internationally for non-profit organizations that focus on peace-building and community development. She values workplaces that promote diversity and equity and strive to resolve corporate and interpersonal conflict in productive ways. She believes that communicating well is one of the keys to creating healthy working environments. Christina has an enthusiastic and engaging presentation style and uses storytelling and humour to make workshops interesting as well as informative.

Neurodiversity at Work: Embracing Strengths and Navigating Barriers
2026-03-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
Embracing neurodiversity in your workplace means creating a more adaptable environment where everyone can thrive. And when you cultivate a culture of acceptance and inclusion, you tap into the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. These include enhanced creativity, innovation, productivity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
This workshop teaches you how to build a neuroinclusive workplace culture through your recruitment, retention, and promotion practices. You will learn practical ways to embrace the strengths and navigate barriers for people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Describe neurodiversity in the workplace
Define sensory sensitivity
Explain how neurodiversity and inclusion can strengthen your team
List tools and strategies for supporting neurodiversity in the workplace
Apply steps for inclusive communication

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, experiential practice, and small group discussions.
*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.

Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Neurodiversity as a Spectrum of Ability
How Neurodiversity Strengthens Teams
What Inclusion Looks Like
Why Neurodiversity in the Workplace Matters
Harnessing Strengths and Navigating Barriers
Tools for the Hiring Process
Recruitment, retention, and advancement

Target Audience
This is an introductory workshop for leaders, supervisors, managers, and human resource personnel who want to learn how they can create a more neuroinclusive culture. It’s also for people who identify as neurodivergent and want to gain useful skills they can use in their workplace.
Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Paula Hutchinson

Paula is an enthusiastic educator, trainer, and consultant, with a rich and varied work background working in schools, community-based non-profits, and clinical settings. She specializes in emotional intelligence, mental health, and working with challenging behaviours in both individuals and teams. Paula believes that everyone should be able to find meaning in their work and relationships, and that only by working together to create sustainable solutions, can individuals, professionals, workplaces, and communities ensure their supports, systems, and policies are responsive and effective for everyone. As a facilitator, she draws on her experience with adult education and learning principles to provide an engaging, practical, and interactive workshop experience.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: How to Build a Thriving Workplace for Everyone
2026-04-08, 2026-06-16 | Online
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just buzzwords – they are essential components of a healthy, successful workplace. Embracing DEI in your organization means supporting all aspects of a person such as race, religion, disability, gender, etc., as well as deeper parts of an individual’s character like values, personality, and preferences.
This workshop helps you identify the existing diversity in your organization so you can recognize potential gaps and become aware of ways that you can build a more equitable and inclusive work environment. You will learn tips, strategies, and gain practical tools for creating a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Define diversity, equity, and inclusion
Assess the various dimensions of diversity that exist in your organization
Describe how equity and inclusion relate to unconscious bias
Explore the dynamics of power in your organization
Investigate personal and organizational responsibility as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Come up with practical strategies to help your organization become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, experiential practice, personal reflection.

Some of the Topics Included

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Differences Between Equity and Equality
What Does Inclusion and Exclusion Look Like in Your Organization?
Inclusive Language Considerations
Making Decisions with DEI in Mind
Recognizing and Managing Unconscious Bias
Understanding Power Dynamics
Strategies and Remedies to Improve DEI

Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop applicable to both leaders and employees.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Jennifer Slay
Jennifer is an accomplished leader and social work expert. She has over 20 years of experience in enhancing organizational development through focused diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization initiatives. She has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Social Work, a Master’s degree in Social Work, and is the Director of EDID at King’s University College. Jennifer is also the co-founder of a coaching and counselling group, and is recognized for her ability to foster workplace environments that prioritize growth, healing, and inclusivity. Jennifer’s work centres around empowering organizational leaders and teams through tailored programs that emphasize emotional intelligence, cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, and resilient communication strategies. As a passionate advocate for systemic change, Jennifer believes in the power of inclusive cultures where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.

Trauma-Informed Leadership
2026-05-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
A compassionate and trauma-informed approach to leadership is essential for creating healthy workplace cultures. Trauma is prevalent in our world and has an impact on many of the people we interact with, including staff and colleagues. Based on our book, A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces, this workshop explores how to lead with a trauma-informed approach and provides five key principles that trauma-informed workplaces embody. By embracing these principles, organizations can contribute to the positive transformation of individuals and relationships affected by trauma, while at the same time creating the conditions that lead to high levels of employee engagement and organizational success. Every organization, from any sector, can benefit from becoming trauma-informed.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Discuss the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals and organizations
List five key trauma-informed principles
Describe practical strategies for implementing each of the five trauma-informed principles
Assess their own organization for areas of trauma-informed strengths and weakness

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, personal reflection, and small group discussions, delivered electronically.

*Please allow only the registered individual(s) to view the materials.
Note: An e-manual for this workshop is included in purchase.

Some of the Topics Included

Trauma’s Ripple Effect
The Impact of Trauma in the Workplace
Characteristics of a Trauma-Informed Leader
5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces – Promote Awareness, Shift Attitudes, Provide Choice, Foster Safety, Highlight Strengths
Steps for Implementing Principles

Target Audience
This is an intermediate-advanced level workshop for leaders, managers, supervisors, and anyone providing leadership within an organization.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Janelle Jackiw
Janelle has Master’s degrees in both Criminology and Educational Psychology. Her broad range of experience includes working in front line and leadership roles in both government and social service organizations. In addition to training with ACHIEVE, she provides counselling in private practice, works for the Ministry of Justice, and is a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina. Janelle values workplaces and organizations that respect the importance of partnerships and innovation. She believes people’s passion for the work they do is developed by encouraging leadership at all levels. Janelle is an energetic presenter who enjoys delivering training workshops that are relevant and practical to individuals’ work and personal lives. Read blogs written by Janelle here.

Management and Supervision: The Crucial Skills
2026-06-30 | Online
One of the most difficult and often overlooked aspects of moving into a supervisory or management position is developing the skills necessary to truly manage people. Without intentional training, many new managers are left to figure things out on their own – for better or worse. Like all skills, effective management and supervisory skills must be learned. This workshop presents the crucial skills for managing employment relationships from beginning to end, with particular focus on hiring and performance management. Participants will also consider how their communication and personal approach to management affects the people they lead.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

To appreciate the critical role of management and supervision in creating healthy workplaces
To understand their own management style and how that may affect those they supervise
How to hire and initiate the employment relationship to create the best chance of generating engagement
How to manage the employment relationship through performance management practices
How to initiate discipline in ways that are respectful and dignified for all parties

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study examples, experiential practice, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

The Role of Management
Essential Management Aptitudes and Skills
Management Styles Assessment
How to Adapt Your Management Style
Hiring New Employees for Talent and Fit
Managing Employee Performance
Writing Objective Performance Evaluations
Stages of Progressive Discipline
Terminating the Employment Relationship

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop for leaders, managers and supervisors, and anyone who is a leader within an organization.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
This is a live virtual event, please check your system requirements prior to registering.
Participants will receive the Zoom meeting login details and information about viewing the live virtual workshop by email 3-4 calendar days prior to the date of the event.
Please note, payment is required in order to receive the login details.

Trainer: Lana Nogue
Lana is an accomplished leadership and team development professional, with more than 25 years of experience in building successful teams and implementing effective systems across organizations. With a deep understanding of organizational development, strategic planning, and communication protocols, Lana excels at mentoring and coaching partnerships. Drawing from professional certifications like the Alberta Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard Certification and the Business Executive Education Course, Lana understands the challenges faced by today’s leaders. Through her practical and trusted approach, Lana helps organizations achieve their priorities and desired outcomes, and she enjoys engaging session participants in reflective and personalized learning.
