Laurie M. Robson

Partner

Calgary
LRobson@blg.com
403.232.9482

Laurie represents both employers and executives in labour and employment law matters under both federal and provincial jurisdiction.

Her areas of expertise include:

  • labour board hearings
  • labour arbitrations
  • collective agreement negotiations
  • wrongful dismissal litigation
  • workplace investigations, reporting, policy drafting and training for:
    • accident/ OHS (safety)
    • workplace misconduct
    • sexual harassment
    • employment standard
    • drug and alcohol
  • human rights
  • workplace privacy 
  • workers' compensation
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability management
  • employment benefits
  • hiring and firing
  • employment/executive contract drafting and negotiations
  • human resources policy and procedure drafting
  • workplace training

Laurie has experience before the Federal Court of Canada and Federal Court of Appeal, Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and Alberta Court of Appeal, Canada Industrial Relations Board, Alberta Labour Relations Board and Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board, as well as before the Provincial Court on OHS/workplace safety matters.

She has conducted matters under the Canadian Human Rights Act and Alberta Human Rights Act. Laurie has also been an arbitrator for Canada Labour Code unjust dismissal and wage recovery complaints.

Experience

  • The Government of Canada in its $4.5 billion acquisition of the Trans Mountain and Puget Sound Pipelines, and related terminals.
  • Represents management at labour board hearings including unfair labour practice complaints, successor employer applications and representation votes.
  • Prepares company human resources policies covering all aspects of workplace rules, safe operating procedures and health and safety programs, including drug and alcohol testing.
  • Advises clients on privacy issues arising in the employment context, including the use of electronic devices and protection of confidential and proprietary information.
  • Assists management with the implementation of performance management programs, including discipline and terminations for just cause.
  • Advises clients on managing workplace issues for public sector organizations, including managing privacy and information disclosure issues having regard to issues of transparency within the public sector.
  • Provides management with severance proposals for reductions in force, including individual employee terminations and mass reductions in force.
  • Conducts investigations into workplace conduct, including violence, harassment and discrimination in the workplace, occupational health and safety accidents and fatality investigations.
  • Prepares and reviews incident reports in respect of Occupational Health and Safety obligations.
  • Represents management and executives in wrongful dismissal litigation matters, including trials, arbitrations and mediations.

Beyond our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association, Labour and Employment Section
  • Member, Calgary Bar Association
  • Associate Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, WXN Women’s Executive Network

Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized in the 2019 (and since 2017) edition of Chambers Canada – Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business (Employment & Labour (Alberta).
  • Recognized in the 2019 (and since 2017) edition of Best Lawyers in Canada® (Labour and Employment Law).
  • Recognized as an Acritas Star in 2018 (and since 2017).

Bar Admission & Education

  • Alberta, 1996
  • British Columbia, 1995
  • LLB, University of Alberta, 1994
  • B.Sc. (Mathematics and Chemistry majors), Brandon University, 1988 (awarded Silver Medal in Chemistry)