CFPA AGM 2024 - “The Power of AI”

Stuart Ducoffe (B.C.L., LL.B., CHRL) is a seasoned employment and labour lawyer. Stuart is the founder of e2r™ and Partner and co-founder of Woolgar VanWiechen Cosgriffe Ducoffe LLP, where he leads the employment and labour law group of the firm.

“Recruitment – The Continuing Evolution”

This presentation will address certain key facets of recruitment and will showcase how to foster a dynamic and thriving workforce.  We’ll begin with exploring re-skilling initiatives which will provide attendees with insights into roadmaps for employee upskilling such as structured learning paths and individual growth opportunities.

The presentation will further explore the utilization of innovative employee experience platforms and discuss how technological advancements and social media can enhance the recruitment process, employee engagement, communication and establish a sense of connection and community. 

We will then consider the advantages of adopting collaborative hiring practices involving cross-functional teams and how this protocol can strengthen the recruitment process. Finally we’ll provide an overview of pay transparency legislation in Ontario, BC, Nova Scotia and PEI.

Stan Kleinikkink has been designing and deploying automation control and data solutions in transportation and Life Science industries throughout the world. Within the ATS Corporation Innovation Center, Stan has been transforming data collection and reporting solutions into Machine Learning driven insights. Stan has been focused on the practical deployment of Machine Learning algorithms in production environments.

Prof. John S. Zelek is a leading expert in computer vision and robotics.  In particular, his current research interests in the field of AI include 3D computer vision, structure from motion, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), automated manufacturing, infrastructure monitoring, deep learning, anomaly detection, human pose tracking and detection as well as sports analytics from video.  His research has led to the spinoff of 3 startup companies, 2 patents, four best paper awards at international conferences as well as a distinction award from the Canadian Computer and Robotic vision society.  

He has authored and co-authored more than 250 journal and conference publications and has been on numerous conference organization committees in addition to chairing 2 Canadian Computer and Robotic vision conferences.  Prof. Zelek's students, including undergraduate and graduate students have successfully transferred technology developed as part of graduate work and design projects under Zelek's supervision and made them the catalyst for new startup companies.

As Director, Policy & Ontario Government Relations, Vincent works with member companies and the Ontario government to promote policies that lower costs and increase investment for manufacturers. Prior to joining CME, Vincent worked in the governments of Ontario and Canada for 15 years, with a primary focus on economic policy. He advised six federal ministers in various departments, including Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Public Safety Canada. Originally from Quebec City, Vincent has a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Bristol in England.

“Economic and Industry Update”

Tony Stillo is the Director of Canada Economics at Oxford Economics. He leads the team responsible for preparing the macroeconomic forecast for Canada using Oxford Economics' Global Economic Model, reporting on key data releases, as well as producing and presenting research on key issues affecting the Canadian economy. Prior to joining Oxford Economics in 2018, Tony spent much of his career at the Ontario Ministry of Finance where he most recently led a team responsible for economic modelling, forecasting and impact analysis.