The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations
2026-09-22, 2026-10-28, 2026-12-01 | 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.

*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

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.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: Sheri Coburn
Sheri is a Registered Social Worker in the province of New Brunswick who holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology. Her broad range of experience includes working in front line and leadership roles in both government and social service organizations. Sheri values workplaces and organizations that are able to identify, build on, and capitalize on their most valuable resource: the people who work there. She believes people should love their job and that the health and wellness of a workplace and their employees is the best determinant for both individual and organizational success. In addition to her work with ACHIEVE, Sheri is also a counsellor in a private practice setting where she provides counselling in the areas of mental health, addiction, and trauma. As a facilitator Sheri uses humour and passion to create an impactful experience for those in attendance. Read blogs written by Sheri here.

An Afternoon with The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
2026-09-22 14:30 - 16:00 (America/St_Johns) | 3rd Floor, Law Society Building, 196-198 Water Street, St. John’s, Canada
Location: Law Society Building, 196 Water Street, St. John’s – Virtual Attendance Available via Zoom
Overview:
Courts across the country are facing significant pressures as they endeavour to fulfil their essential role in society. In Newfoundland and Labrador, these pressures are reflected in growing case backlogs and were brought into sharper focus when the Provincial Court was required to indefinitely adjourn certain civil hearings, traffic matters, and Contraventions Act cases. Circuit court sittings have also been reduced indefinitely in some regions. These developments highlight broader challenges facing the justice system and the impacts that delay and limited court capacity can have on litigants, lawyers, and the public.
Against this backdrop, the Law Society is pleased to host the Chief Justice of Canada for a special event featuring remarks on the challenges currently facing Canada’s courts. Drawing on his national perspective, the Chief Justice will situate these developments within broader trends affecting courts across the country. The discussion will consider issues such as delay, accessibility, modernization of court processes, and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
The session will also explore the respective roles of courts, governments, and the legal profession in responding to these challenges and strengthening the justice system.
Following his remarks, the Chief Justice will engage in a moderated discussion and respond to questions from attendees.
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner is the 18th Chief Justice of Canada. In this role, he presides over the Canadian Judicial Council, National Judicial Institute and chairs the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. Chief Justice Wagner was president of the Association des Cours Constitutionelles Francophones from 2019 to 2022. The Chief Justice also fulfilled his duty to serve as administrator of the Government of Canada from January 23 to July 26, 2021.
Born and raised in Montreal, Chief Justice Wagner earned his Bachelor of Social Science and Licentiate in Laws at the University of Ottawa. He returned to his home town to practice law from 1980 to 2004. His areas of specialization included professional liability, commercial litigation and class action lawsuits. As a litigator the Chief Justice argued cases before every level of court in Quebec, quasi-judicial tribunals, as well as the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. Throughout his legal career, Chief Justice Wagner led initiatives to help lawyers constantly upgrade their skills and knowledge, such as the creation of the Centre d’accès à l’information juridique in 2002, for which he was awarded the Mérite du Barreau du Québec in 2005. In 2022, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the advancement of the law, the Bar of Montreal awarded him its highest distinction, the Medal of the Bar of Montreal. In addition, for his outstanding contribution to upholding and promoting the rule of law, the World Jurist Association presented him with its Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the United Nations in New York in 2023. Most recently, in 2024, France awarded him with the insignia of Commander of the Legion of Honour, the country’s highest decoration, for his exemplary services to the cause of justice.
Chief Justice Wagner was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec in 2004 and was named to the Quebec Court of Appeal in 2011. On October 5, 2012, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Canada on December 18, 2017. At his Supreme Court welcoming ceremony, Chief Justice Wagner spoke of the need for more transparency in the justice system, “Judges and courts must adjust and must explain who they are, what they do and how they do it.”
In that regard, the Chief Justice works very closely with the Supreme Court Registrar. The Court has introduced plain language summaries of decisions called Case in Brief and produces an annual report called the Year in Review. The Chief Justice now holds an annual news conference and has directed the Supreme Court, for the first time in its history, to hear cases outside Ottawa. In 2019, it traveled to Winnipeg where it heard two cases and judges conducted activities in the community. The Court conducted a similar trip to Quebec City in 2022.
Chief Justice Wagner is a steadfast advocate for better access to justice for all Canadians. He encourages better funding for legal aid, urges lawyers to do more pro bono work and supports structural reforms to further modernize the justice system.
As a litigator and a judge, the Chief Justice has championed civility in and outside the courtroom, “Even if people reading our decisions don’t agree with an outcome, we have to ensure they respect them. If we let emotion get the best of us, our decisions become suspect, and so do we.” Civility and collegiality were the focus of his speech at the 2019 Cambridge Lectures.
A passionate defender of the principle of judicial independence, the Chief Justice and Minister of Justice David Lametti signed an Accord in 2019 to formally recognize the Supreme Court’s full independence from the federal Department of Justice. “A judiciary that is independent – and seen to be independent – benefits all Canadians,” said the Chief Justice.
Registration Fee: $115.00 ($100.00 + HST)
HST # R108086463
Space is limited. To register for this event, please click here.
CPD Credit: 1.5 hours

Communication The Crucial Skills
2026-10-01 | 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.

*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

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.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: 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.

Crisis Response Planning: Creating a Compassionate Response Plan
2026-10-01 | Online
Critical incidents such as unexpected death, violence, or a natural disaster have a lasting emotional impact on the people who experience or witness them. Organizations, schools, and communities need to be prepared to provide support during and after these crisis situations.
This workshop gives you the tools to organize quickly and effectively during high-stress situations, and you’ll learn practical ways to respond to people’s emotional needs after a critical incident. You will gain a clear understanding of how to implement your own crisis response team and create a plan for your specific environment.
Note: Crisis response refers to the steps that are made after a critical incident. This is not a threat assessment or emergency preparedness workshop.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Explain why crisis response planning is helpful
Describe a framework for team and plan development
Demonstrate how to organize an effective response after a critical incident
Identify what types of responses are most appropriate for the situation
Apply the principles learned to your own environment

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, 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

Types of Critical Incidents
Common Reactions After a Critical Incident
Crisis Response Team and Plan Development
Gathering Information: Intake
Crisis Response Checklist
Considerations for Those at Higher Risk
Individual Debriefing
Critical Incident Group Debriefing
Considerations Around Memorials
Evaluation and Debriefing
Trigger Events and Anniversaries

Target Audience
This workshop is for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, social workers, managers, human resource professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of effective crisis response strategies. It equips you with the skills to provide emotional and practical support during and after critical incidents, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate response.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: Paul Carrick, MSW, RSW
For over 25 years, Paul has been providing therapy and conflict resolution services, as well as training and facilitation on a wide variety of deep end topics and complicated situations. He is a Registered Social Worker, holding a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Women Studies and Criminology and diploma in human resources. He is also a Trauma-Informed EMDR Therapist. Some of Paul’s past roles include being an EFAP Therapist, Justice Trauma Therapist, and Respectful Workplace Advisor for the Province of Manitoba. He currently runs a small private practice. Paul has in-depth experience supporting individuals, organizations, and communities on themes such as trauma, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, toxic workplace interventions, mediation, bullying, anxiety, depression, managing mental health, and more. As a therapist, he believes in the importance of co-creating meaning and direction in both individual and group interventions. Paul’s strength is facilitating critical conversations in a nonthreatening manner, where individuals and organizations feel heard and supported. As a trainer, he delivers practical, applicable information for participants mixed with a laid-back, humorous, and engaging presentation style.

Trauma-Informed Care: Building a Culture of Strength
2026-10-06, 2026-11-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
Trauma is prevalent in our world and has an impact on many of the people we interact with, including those who engage with our organizations. Compassionate and trauma-informed care is essential to providing effective support and building sustainable services. Based on our book, A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces, this workshop explores five key principles to integrate a trauma-informed approach throughout the organization. By embracing these principles, participants can better contribute to the positive transformation of individuals and relationships affected by trauma. Becoming trauma-informed creates a sustainable foundation in any setting to promote strength, engagement, and healing.

Please note: This workshop does not provide training related to trauma counselling. If that is what you are looking for, please check out our workshop, Trauma – Counselling Strategies for Healing and Resilience.

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
Identify trauma-informed goals to improve service delivery and program planning

Method of Delivery
Presentation, video, case study exercises, 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

Trauma’s Ripple Effect
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Building a Trauma-Informed Culture
Understanding Trauma
5 Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach – Promote Awareness, Shift Attitudes, Provide Choice, Foster Safety, Highlight Strengths
Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience
Steps for Implementing Principles

Target Audience
This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop intended for anyone interested in learning more about the value of trauma-informed workplaces.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: Monica Bhatara, MA
Monica has over 25 years of experience working in the community-based social services field as a Therapist and Community Educator. She is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, and Focusing-Oriented Therapist. Monica has worked both in clinical settings for various programs and served in a leadership role as Director of Clinical Practice, providing her expertise to clinical and non-clinical programs that focus on family preservation and reunification, complex intergenerational trauma, trauma-informed practice, and clinical supervision. In addition to training with CTRI, she has a private counselling practice where she incorporates somatic work, play and expressive therapies, and interpersonal neurobiology in her work with children, youth, and adults. Monica believes in the power of human resiliency and the importance of building the capacity of paraprofessionals and non-clinical workers because they play a vital role on the therapy spectrum. As a trainer, she brings stimulating stories and a style that promotes engagement and facilitates learning.

Dealing with Difficult People
2026-10-14 | Online
We all encounter people we find difficult, and conversations with them often leave us feeling drained, stressed, or frustrated. This workshop explores what’s really happening beneath the surface of these interactions and provides practical strategies for shifting the dynamic toward more productive outcomes.
In addition to exploring general patterns of difficult behaviour, you will learn how to navigate bullying, pathological forms of intimidation, and chronic passive-aggressiveness or resistance.
After this workshop, you will know how to recognize these patterns early, manage your own responses, and adapt your communication strategies to reduce conflict and foster healthier interactions. This is an opportunity to build your self-awareness and develop personalized approaches to effectively deal with a range of challenging behaviours.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Identify and interpret difficult behaviours
Examine your personal dynamics with difficult people
Choose how to navigate difficult interactions
Develop strategic responses based on specific behaviour types
Apply self-awareness to leverage influence

Method of Delivery
Presentation, case studies, small group discussions, 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

What Makes Someone “Difficult”?
Shift Judgement to Curiosity
The Cycle of Escalating Difficult Behaviour
Strategies for Dealing with Common Bullying Behaviour
Strategies for Dealing with Pathological Bullying Behaviour
Skills for Dealing with Passive-Aggression and Resistance

Target Audience
This workshop is for anyone who regularly deals with challenging people and wants practical strategies to respond more effectively. Ideal for professionals in leadership, HR, education, healthcare, or customer service, it equips you to recognize difficult behaviour patterns, manage your own responses, and shift unproductive dynamics.
Whether you’re facing bullying, passive-aggressiveness, or ongoing resistance, you will gain tools to stay grounded, set healthy boundaries, and focus on what you can influence.
If you’ve ever left an interaction feeling frustrated or drained, this training will help you approach those situations with greater clarity, confidence, and control.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: 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.

Critical Incident Group Debriefing
2026-10-20 - 2026-10-21, 2026-12-08 - 2026-12-09 | Online
Critical incident group debriefing (CIGD) is a short-term intervention designed to support people after a distressing or unusual event – something that falls outside of everyday experience and challenges our ability to cope.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to facilitate a group debriefing and create a safe space where your participants can share their experiences, feel heard, and access helpful resources. The process helps normalize and validate people’s reactions, which promotes healing and connection.
You’ll also gain the skills to assess when CIGD is the right approach – and when it might not be the best option. With a strong focus on practice and skill-building, this training prepares you to respond effectively and compassionately in the aftermath of critical incidents.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Explain how people respond differently to the same event
Describe a framework for facilitating a group debriefing
Know the benefits and potential problems with group debriefing
Identify when critical incident group debriefing is appropriate
Practice participating in a critical incident debriefing

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

Definitions and Overview
Applying a Trauma-Informed Lens to the Intervention
Potential Responses After a Critical Incident
Your Role as a Facilitator
Issues of Co-facilitation
Critical Incident Response Considerations
Benefits and Challenges of Group Debriefing
Preparing for a Group Debriefing
CIGD Phases
Considerations for the Process

Target Audience
This is an intermediate level workshop intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, counsellors, social workers, managers, human resource professionals, and anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate a group debriefing after a tragic event.

Terms & Conditions
View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: John Koop Harder, MSW, RSW
John has been working as a therapist and trainer for over 20 years. He is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree. John is a contributing author of our Counselling Insights and Counselling in Relationships books. Much of John’s career has centred on working with children, youth, adults, and families dealing with crisis and trauma. While he has a diverse practice, he has particular interest and specialized experience in working with individuals and families impacted by mental health concerns, violence, post-war trauma recovery, gender/sexuality issues, and sexual abuse recovery. John’s work is also informed by his international experiences working with individuals and communities impacted by civil war and ethnic conflicts in Colombia, Albania, and Northern Ireland. John believes people are their own best experts and already have many of the skills, abilities, and competencies that will assist them to address the challenges influencing their lives. John is a warm and engaging facilitator who values interactive learning experiences. Read blogs written by John here.

Assertive Communication
2026-10-28 | 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.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: 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.

Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management Conference 2026
2026-11-26 - 2026-11-27
Get Ready for APSIM 2026!
The APSIM Conference is returning to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on November 26 and 27, 2026! This two-day in-person event will take place at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, bringing together access, privacy, security, and information management professionals for an unparalleled cross-disciplinary experience.
Mark your calendars and save the dates! Registration opens in September 2026, so keep an eye on our website and secure your spot early. You will not want to miss it!
For the latest updates and information about APSIM, please visit the Conference’s official websiteOpens in new window.
What is APSIM?
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference is a conference that brings together members of the Newfoundland and Labrador access, privacy, information security, and information management communities to undertake professional development, promote collaboration, and build awareness of the overlap and interplay between these various disciplines. The goal is to facilitate the ability to assist each other in managing, protecting, and securing information.
Who should attend APSIM?
APSIM is intended for individuals working within the public sector, health care community, and others with a professional interest in access, privacy, security, and information management issues. This conference aims to help attendees improve their knowledge on the subject matter, network, and learn about the interconnectivity of the disciplines.
Invitation for Submissions
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference Committee is inviting submissions for speaker proposals for the 2026 APSIM Conference, taking place November 26–27, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Access, Privacy, Security, and Information Management (APSIM) Conference is a two-day, in-person professional development event that brings together professionals from across the access, privacy, security, and information management communities. The conference provides a unique, cross-disciplinary forum to explore emerging issues, share expertise, and build awareness of the overlap and interplay between these fields.
Interested speakers are invited to submit a Speaker Proposal Form for consideration by the APSIM Conference Committee. Submitted proposals will be reviewed, and selected speakers will be invited to present at the conference.
Registration for the conference will open in September 2026.
For more information on the APSIM Conference, please click here.

Conflict Resolution Skills
2026-12-08 | Online
Location: Online Virtual

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.

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.
The fees above are for a live event and do not include any copyright or licensing fees for creating recordings or reproductions of the workshop. Participants may not use AI tools or other technology to capture, transcribe, or replicate facilitator content without prior written consent. Exceptions may be granted for accessibility purposes—please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
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.

Facilitator: 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.
