CLE Online

Welcome and Introduction

Introduction to the Topic:

• national media coverage
• activism and public policy
• legislative landscape in Canada

Li-Jeen Broshko — General Counsel, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

Legislation and Policy Approaches

• BC’s Legislation:
  • overview
  • definitions
  • scope and jurisdiction

• Institutional responses:
  • responses: accommodation and reporting
  • hearing vs investigation
  • adjudication and discipline
  • appeals

Don Barnhardt — General Counsel, University of Victoria, Victoria
Kimberley Beck — Legal Counsel, Office of the University Counsel, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Scott Blackford — Legal Counsel, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops
John Sparks — General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops

Sexual Violence on Campuses

• overview of sexual violence on campuses
  • why post-secondary institutions are at the centre of this issue: consent/residences/international students
  • education, awareness, and resources: traditional programs and policy driven initiatives
  • accommodation
  • student conduct policies
  • campus security
  • coordination with police in investigations
• what is trauma-informed, victim-centred practice

Tim Rahilly — Vice Provost, Students, and International, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

Break

Preparing Investigation Reports

• key elements of the report
• interviewing the complainant
• reviewing the evidence/witnesses
• putting the allegations to the respondent
• responses
• drafting the report (facts only or facts and recommendation)

Andrea F. Raso — Clark Wilson LLP, Vancouver

Questions and Discussion

Networking Lunch

Adjudication, Discipline, and Appeals

• what processes will institutions need to have in place to adjudicate and discipline, if warranted, after receipt of an investigation report?
• what are the various policy approaches to adjudication:
  • investigator or institution to determine breach?
  • who imposes discipline — administrator, president?
• what appeal processes are provided for under the policies/collective agreements:
  • true appeals before university tribunals
  • arbitrations under collective agreements
• availability of judicial review

Kimberly R. Hart —Gilligan-Hackett and Company, Vancouver

The Role of the Respondent's Counsel

• gathering the facts
• participation and cooperation
• understanding the discipline process
• appeals
• other legal consequences
• media considerations

J. Kenneth McEwan, QC — Hunter Litigation Chambers, Vancouver

Break

Privacy Issues, Media, and Communications

• striking a balance between transparency and privacy
• relevant privacy principles
• disclosing information during and after the investigation to:
  • complainants and respondents
  • witnesses
  • university community
  • media
  • law enforcement authorities
• challenging issues
  • disclosing disciplinary measures
  • maintaining confidentiality of investigation
  • correcting misleading/inaccurate information

Susan Danard — Managing Director, Public Affairs, University of BC, Vancouver
Paul Hancock —Legal Counsel, Information and Privacy, University of BC, Vancouver

Pitfalls and Hot Topics Plenary

• pathway to adopting a policy:
  • legislation and government
  • stakeholder consultation
  • sector alignment
  • policy approaches
• alternative pathways:
  • Human Rights tribunals
  • claims for damages
  • judicial review
• social media pitfalls
• false accusations 

Li-Jeen Broshko — General Counsel, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Kimberley Beck - Legal Counsel, Office of the University Counsel, University of British Columbia
Susan Danard — Managing Director, Public Affairs, University of BC, Vancouver
Paul Hancock — Legal Counsel, Information and Privacy, University of BC, Vancouver
Kimberly R. Hart — Gilligan-Hackett and Company, Vancouver
J. Kenneth McEwan, QC — Hunter Litigation Chambers, Vancouver