Calendar of Events

Kelly VanBuskirk, K.C., PhD, C. Arb. is the Principal of VanBuskirk Law, a boutique Labour, Employment, and Human Rights Law firm which is based in New Brunswick. He has represented clients in hundreds of hearings before tribunals and courts, including the New Brunswick Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

He is also an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Business at the University of New Brunswick, where he teaches courses including Employment Law, Labour Law and Negotiations. Additionally he is a part-time instructor of Employment Law, Trial Practice, Sport Law, and Negotiations in the UNB Faculty of Law. He also co-developed and teaches the UNB Workplace Investigations certificate course.

He has designed and implemented respectful workplace training programs for international organizations in three countries. His research and articles have been published in a multitude of workplace magazines and law journals and in April 2017 he published a book titled Why Employees Sue: Rethinking Approaches to the Resolution of Employment Conflicts.

Chris Pelkey is a Fredericton-based lawyer with McInnes Cooper, specializing in labour and employment law. He works with employers – both unionized and non-unionized – helping them navigate complex workplace issues, from collective bargaining and grievances to wrongful dismissals, employment contracts, workplace policies, occupational health and safety and human rights matters.

With a background as an electrical engineer designing power systems in New Zealand, Zambia, and Canada, Chris brings a problem-solving mindset to the legal challenges his clients face. He takes a proactive, strategic approach to employment law, helping HR professionals and business leaders mitigate risks, resolve disputes, and build strong, compliant workplaces.

Chris is known for his ability to understand the unique operational needs of his clients, offering practical, business-focused legal advice. Whether advising on day-to-day HR matters or representing employers before courts, labour boards and arbitrators, his goal is to deliver results that align with his clients' broader business objectives.

Jessica Bungay

Jessica Bungay is a partner in Cox & Palmer’s Fredericton Office, practicing in the areas of employment, labour, human rights and administrative law. She is also the Chair of Cox & Palmer’s Regional Employment & Labour Practice Group. 

Jessica is recognized as leading lawyer in Canada in the area of Employment and Labour by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and was named a 2024 Rising Star: Leading Lawyer Under 40 by Lexpert. Adept at handling delicate situations, Jessica helps clients solve workplace issues, while also anticipating potential future issues and establishing a plan to mitigate risks. Whether it’s issues relating to day-to-day operations or complex litigation, with questions ranging from contractual obligations to discipline and termination, Jessica works with her clients to develop strategies to reach the best possible outcome. 

Among a small number of lawyers in New Brunswick handling a variety of complex workplace legal matters, Jessica has extensive experience addressing issues in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. Through understanding the legal issues and the business of her clients, Jessica is able to develop solutions that solve the problems they face.

In addition to her practice, Jessica is an active member of the board of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) and is a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources New Brunswick.

Michael Marin is Dean of Law at the University of New Brunswick. His areas of teaching and research include administrative law, workplace law, corporate governance, and torts. He has been involved in dispute resolution as a mediator, arbitrator, and adjudicator for close to a decade. From 2018 to 2021, he served as Vice-Chair of the New Brunswick Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal. He is currently a Vice-Chair of the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board. Dean Marin practiced business litigation in New York City, labour and employment law in Ottawa, and clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada. He received a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Cambridge, where he studied as a Gates Scholar. In 2022, he was appointed King’s Counsel for New Brunswick.

Meaghan MacMaster

Meaghan is a solutions-focused labour, employment, and privacy lawyer in Stewart McKelvey’s Saint John office. She advises employers across Canada, including those in federally regulated sectors, on the full scope of legal rights and responsibilities in their relationships with employees and unions.

With over 15 years of experience working for international companies in the transportation, energy, and manufacturing sectors, Meaghan is a trusted advisor who delivers meaningful, actionable advice. Her hands-on business experience and legal expertise allow her to partner effectively with senior leadership to navigate challenges and implement practical solutions. She is also a certified change management professional with deep experience spanning privacy, human resources, health and safety, labour and employee relations, and workplace investigations.

As a trained workplace investigator, Meaghan conducts investigations into harassment, sexual harassment and assault, discrimination, and other forms of workplace misconduct. She also regularly delivers training to HR, labour relations, and leadership teams on topics such as workplace policies, human rights, disciplinary procedures, and attendance management.

Meaghan has particular expertise in the federal pay equity space, having led the successful implementation of committee-led pay equity plans for three federally regulated employers.

In her former role as Privacy Officer for a large international organization, she was directly involved in contract negotiations, policy development, privacy impact assessments, and the implementation of information governance programs tailored to HR records management. She also developed records management policies and procedures to support compliance and accountability.

Join us for the Labour Law Summit, presented by VanBuskirk Law!

This premier event will bring together leading legal experts to explore key issues in labour law, providing valuable insights for HR professionals, business leaders, and legal practitioners. Hosted by Kelly VanBuskirk, the summit will feature presentations from five distinguished legal counsel, each addressing critical topics shaping the ever-evolving landscape of labour law.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance, stay informed on legislative changes, and engage in meaningful discussions that impact workplaces today.

Members : $125 full day

Non-Members: $200 full day

Students Members: $60 -> contact admin@cphrnb.ca for registration as a student

Non-Member Students: $100 full day

Please note: A refund will only be issued for cancellations submitted at least one week prior to an event or workshop. Attendee substitutions are permitted; however, member/non-member rate differences will apply. Please submit cancellation or substitution requests by e-mail admin@cphrnb.ca 

Please reach out to us if you have any dietary requirements:  admin@cphrnb.ca