Legacy Bowes Blog

Although human resources professionals spend a lot of time building structures, policy, processes, and procedures, we have to admit that we also spend a great deal of time navigating the gray of human behaviour and how to deal with issues when they arise. While there are judgement calls that need to be made when dealing with people, those decisions should be consistent, fair, and defensible.

At no time is this more true than when confronted with a workplace complaint.

There are many different complaint or grievance procedures that any business or organization could follow. When deciding on your course of action, there are a couple of factors you should keep in mind.

Photo courtesy of the University of Winnipeg

Legacy Bowes is pleased to announce that Jennefer Nepinak will be joining the organization as the new Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships and Reconciliation on July 1, 2022.

Nepinak – who is a proud member of the Minegozhiibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation) – brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her previous roles as the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the University of Winnipeg, as well as past leadership roles at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, and with various First Nation governments, as well as with the governments of Canada and Manitoba. She has also served as a board member with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council, the Treaty Legacy Foundation, Rossbrook House, the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation, The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents, the Canadian Education Coalition, and Manitoba Hydro.

“I am very excited to join the Legacy Bowes team. I admire the business approach that works to encourage Indigenous perspectives application in all that it does,” Nepinak said.

COVID-19 has removed many people from the workforce. Whether they are retiring or joining the gig economy, the results are the same: less people are applying for available positions and candidates are asking for higher compensation packages.

Driven by news reports and the high Consumer Price Index, existing employees are also asking for more in compensation. 

These scenarios are putting employers in a tough spot. Balancing the wish to hire and retain fantastic people who can move the organization forward with wanting to keep a lid on payroll costs can lead to tough decisions with lasting consequences.

Legacy Bowes has been receiving many questions about mandatory vaccinations in the workplace. The topic is especially pertinent for Indigenous communities who have passed Band Council Resolutions or Bylaws to require all people who enter the community to be vaccinated. This raises issues about Human Rights, personal health information, health and safety, and job requirements. Legacy Bowes has spoken with Shawn Scarcello from Cochrane Saxberg Barristers & Solicitors, in order to clarify both employee and employer rights. We have set it up to answer the frequently asked questions from Indigenous clients.