British Columbia and Alberta First Nations Workplace and Governance Lawyers

Policies and Procedures Development for First Nations

Knowledgeable lawyers can help with issues and challenges unique to Indigenous employers and employees. From developing workplace policies to dispute resolution, they can call on years of experience working alongside First Nations communities to develop fair and effective solutions.

A First Nations workplace may not have all the same expectations and rules as another workplace. That is why it is important to work with an Indigenous workplace lawyer to develop specific policies and procedures. This can set clear expectations and allow for consistent application throughout the workplace. From an employer’s point of view, having a well-thought-out set of policies can prevent workplace incidents and establish appropriate procedures if one does occur. Solid and understandable policies can also help clarify the standards and expectations of employees.

Create a Written Manual

Though not usually required, having these workplace policies and procedures written down in a manual or handbook can save a ton of headaches. A written manual that is readily available for everyone allows for easy access to any specific policy or procedure in question. Written policies can also be useful for resolving confusion or disputes because they are memorialized for all to see.

A comprehensive set of workplace policies and procedures is a critical feature for a business or organization, and a lawyer experienced in helping First Nations can provide an invaluable service. A lawyer can consider all aspects of an effective set of policies, especially ones that do not come up often but can be detrimental if they do.

Representation and Dispute Resolution

The basic job of a lawyer is to provide representation for their clients in disputes. First Nations organizations in B.C. and Alberta will have to resolve a variety of disputes and need the right legal representation to advocate for their rights.

Disputes can end up in a courtroom, which can be stressful and complicated. A skilled Indigenous Law barrister can help navigate through the maze and provide strong advocacy in the courtroom and advocate for their clients’ rights. Some of the cases we can discuss include:

• Violations of the Canada Labour Code
• Hiring, termination, and unjustified dismissals
• Employee performance, misconduct, and discipline
• Addiction management
• Union certification and collective bargaining

Sometimes a disagreement can be resolved at the negotiating table and never needs to go all the way to Court. Regardless, it is vital to have a partner to provide rigorous representation and reach a fair outcome.

Contact a Western Canada Lawyer for Legal Advice in First Nations Governance

A British Columbia and Alberta First Nations workplace and governance lawyer has unique experience and knowledge to provide comprehensive services on all matters relating to Indigenous organizations. If you need to develop and review your workplace policies, or just need representation in a dispute, we are available. We can also give helpful training on OHS and workers’ compensation, organizational governance, harassment, contract and policy manual development, and Human Rights complaints.

Contact Zacharias Vickers McCann LLP to review your situation and discuss possible solutions.