Keri Bennett engages in a broad labour and employment practice advising public and private sector organizations on all aspects of the employment relationship. Keri also advises clients on compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation. Keri represents clients in matters before the BC Human Rights Tribunal, BC Employment Standards Branch, the BC Labour Relations Board, the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal, the courts, labour arbitrators and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia.

Keri previously was an associate in the Toronto office of Fasken Martineau LLP.

Employment

Keri frequently advises employers on:

• compliance with employment standards legislation, including payment of wages, hours of work and overtime, annual vacation and director liability
• drafting of enforceable employment agreements
• drafting of employer policies
• employee discipline
• termination of employment, including constructive dismissal and for-cause termination

In addition, Keri represents clients in employment litigation, including negotiating effective settlements and vigorously defending her client’s interests before the courts.

Human Rights

Keri advises employers on compliance with human rights matters, including:

• discrimination and harassment
• accommodation
• drafting of employer policies

She regularly represents employers in matters before the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and also represents federal employers in matters before the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Privacy

Keri advises clients on compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation, including issues such as:

• employee background checks
• employee surveillance
• collection, use, and disclosure of employee information at all stages of the employment relationship, including accommodation requests
• drafting of privacy policies
• responses to requests for access to information under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection Act

Keri also represents employers in labour arbitrations on privacy issues.

WorkSafeBC

In addition to the specific requirements of human rights legislation, Keri also represents employers in discriminatory action complaints before WorkSafeBC and the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal.

Honours and Awards

• LSUC Education Equity Award (2009)
• Leadership Award, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2007/2008)

Membership/Affiliations

• Executive Member, Canadian Bar Association, Freedom of Information and Privacy Section, B.C. Chapter
• Member, Law Society of British Columbia
• Member, Law Society of Upper Canada
• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Professional Women’s Network