Education Sessions

Jeffrey Stinchcombe, People Corporation

Join Jeffrey Stinchcombe, Canada’s leading thought expert in employee benefits to level up your understanding on how to revolutionize your benefits plan and stay ahead of your competition. In this engaging talk, you’ll learn 10 actionable tips you can immediately put into action. Jeffrey’s easygoing presentation style will have you fully engaged as you learn how to set yourself up for success.

Klea Jokic, National Payroll Institute

When Canadian employees work outside of Canada or an organization in Canada plans to hire internationally remote employees, employers are faced with several challenges.

There are:

• Legal risks for employers when employees work from abroad;
• Permits or visas to work abroad;
• Payroll and tax implications;
• Regulatory compliance issues like employment standards and workers compensation;
• Benefits concerns;
• Operational challenges and IT security infrastructure considerations; and
• Reporting requirements.

It is crucial for Canadian businesses to be proactive and involve payroll professionals to understand and overcome these challenges. In this session, we will explore the impact of remote work, address the challenges employers face, and discuss how to stay compliant.

Canada Revenue Agency

Join representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a discussion on the latest issues, trends and changes coming from the CRA.

Kimberley Fiume, Sability Human Capital Consulting

Effective change management, clear communication, and thorough documentation are essential to the success of any HCM go-live. When business processes and technology are evolving, it’s crucial to equip all stakeholders—Employees, Managers, Human Resources, and Payroll professionals—with the right information and resources. 

In this session, we’ll discuss how to guide stakeholders through the new processes by providing clear communications, detailed documentation, and practical tools. This approach helps ensure that everyone understands the updated workflows and feels prepared to manage transactions accurately and on time. 

Join us as we examine key communication strategies, explore documentation practices, and build awareness of new system requirements. Our goal is to empower your organization to navigate the transition smoothly and to enable every user to work confidently within the new system. 

Johanna Van Bilsen, MaxPeople

In the complex and detail-driven world of payroll, effective communication is crucial—but it’s not just about sending the right message. It’s about truly listening to understand the needs of your team, clients, and organization. Join Johanna Van Bilsen as she explores the art of active listening and its vital role in delivering accurate, responsive payroll services. Learn key techniques to go beyond just hearing words—engage fully in conversations, read important verbal and non-verbal cues, and ensure clear, effective communication in every interaction.

Key takeaways:

• Practical tips and best practices for overcoming common barriers to active listening;
• How to detect subtle cues to better understand messages; and
• Techniques to improve communication flow in a professional service setting.

Janice Gair, eiADVANTAGE

Emotional intelligence is key to success in your personal and professional life. Learn how to hone your emotional skills to gain self-awareness, and confidence, and to enhance your leadership.

Steven Van Alstine, PLP, National Payroll Institute, plus panel

In today’s evolving workplace, integrating Payroll and Human Resources (HR) functions has never been more critical. This session, Payroll & Human Resources – Effective Collaboration, is a unique opportunity for professionals who navigate both domains, straddling the line between effective payroll administration and managing the HR function within your organization. Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from an expert panel composed of leaders with dual designations in payroll and HR, who will share insights on how to harmonize these essential business functions to optimize efficiency, compliance, and employee satisfaction.

The discussion will explore:

• Strategies for seamless collaboration between Payroll and HR teams;
• The importance of joint payroll-HR knowledge in ensuring compliance with complex legislation and regulations;
• How integrating payroll and HR systems can drive operational efficiency and better decision-making;
• Best practices for aligning employee services and experiences through cohesive payroll and HR functions; and
• The value of having cross-functional expertise in leading strategic initiatives that impact the entire organization.

Manon Amiot et Karima Balfoul, Institut national de la paie

Cette session visera à déterminer si vous bénéficiez d’avantages imposables. Qu’est-ce qui détermine si une allocation doit être justifiée ou non? Nous examinerons les cinq avantages imposables les plus courants répertoriés par l’équipe de la Ligne Info sur la paie.

Building on the success of last year, our Networking Roundtables are back for a second year, offering delegates a fun and interactive way to connect. Delegates will be seated in small, intimate roundtable groups, encouraging meaningful conversations on today’s hot topics and making it easier to network and make new friends.

Building on the success of last year, our Networking Roundtables are back for a second year, offering delegates a fun and interactive way to connect. Delegates will be seated in small, intimate roundtable groups, encouraging meaningful conversations on today’s hot topics and making it easier to network and make new friends.

As payroll professionals, you’ve worked behind the scenes for years, but today your role is evolving. It’s no longer just about processing payroll—it’s about data analytics and telling a compelling story to management. This shift can feel as daunting as stepping onto a stage.This session is designed to help you develop a commanding presence, refine your communication skills, and eliminate speaking anxiety so you can captivate your audience with confidence. 

Through expert insights and practical exercises, you will learn: 

• The fundamentals of advanced communication to engage and persuade
• Proven techniques to manage nervousness and turn anxiety into energy
• The keys to presence and charisma that elevate your stage presence
• How to develop your natural speaking voice for clarity and impact 

Additionally, we’ll explore essential relaxation techniques, mindset shifts, and preparation strategies to help you overcome tension and feel in control every time you speak. Whether you’re already comfortable speaking or feel nervous at the thought of it, this session will give you the tools to confidently own any stage. 

Laura Angelo, Karima Balfoul, National Payroll Institute

In Part 2, you will be able to understand the implications of final payments upon termination and address the complexities of wage overpayments. Highlight types of wage repayments.

Tina Beauchamp, National Payroll Institute

A short case study will be presented for an organization with both remote and in-office employees who have been experiencing an increase in payroll errors. As a group, we will discuss the possible root cause of the errors and some possible solutions that are legislatively compliant. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and learn what their peers with similar issues have done to resolve payroll errors.

Canada Revenue Agency

Join representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a discussion on the latest issues, trends and changes coming from the CRA.

Jim Medlock, APA

Analytics are key to the success of 21st-century payroll professionals. How can analytics be used to tell a successful payroll story? What payroll and non-payroll-related data is required to develop helpful payroll analytics? How can analytical tools be used to improve a payroll department’s effectiveness? What is required to plan the development of payroll analytics? How can the use of payroll analytics help detect and prevent payroll fraud? How can payroll analytics be presented to senior management? These questions and more will be answered in this session.

Beverly Beuermann-King, R ‘n’ B Consulting – Work Smart Live Smar

Effective leadership communication is the cornerstone of success. Ineffective communication can lead to a toxic and unhealthy environment, affecting mental health and productivity. This workshop equips you with the strategies to navigate communication challenges, bias, and stigma, fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce. Learn to mitigate stress and uncertainty by building trust, creativity, and stability through your communication. Dive into understanding communication biases, emotional barriers, and the art of navigating difficult conversations. Elevate your people skills by honing your communication style and problem-solving techniques.

Julie Ruben Rodney, MaxPeople

Join this session to discover how to become a “change agent” in payroll amid inevitable changes like new legislation and shifting priorities. Learn to navigate transition phases, leverage your strengths, and lead your team confidently through challenges. Gain practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and techniques to inspire and motivate employees, empowering you to foster resilience and adaptability in your role. Key takeaways include understanding transition phases, leveraging strengths, overcoming challenges, and engaging employees during change. Leave equipped to thrive in an evolving workplace.

Heather Haslam and Shawna Gee, ADP

Marketing and payroll may seem like separate worlds, but effective communication, engagement, and value presentation principles are just as critical in payroll as in marketing. In this session, we’ll explore how payroll professionals can apply marketing strategies to improve communication, enhance employee experience, and position payroll as a strategic function within their organization.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Audience: Understand employees’ needs and concerns to tailor payroll messaging effectively.
• Clear & Engaging Communication: Use marketing techniques to make payroll information accessible and engaging.
• Branding Payroll as a Strategic Partner: Position payroll as a valuable resource, not just an administrative function.
• Leveraging Digital Tools: Apply digital marketing best practices to streamline payroll education and engagement.

By the end of this session, you’ll have actionable strategies to improve payroll’s impact and visibility within your company.

Manon Amiot, Institut national de la paie

Cette session expliquera l’incidence des changements apportés à la politique relative à la province d’emploi sur les employés et les employeurs. Elle vous aidera également à comprendre comment déterminer la province d’emploi dans toutes les situations. Lors de tables rondes, nous demanderons aussi aux participants s’ils se conforment à la politique; dans le cas contraire, les présentateurs expliqueront comment remédier à la situation

Manon Amiot & Klea Jokic, National Payroll Institute

This session will be presented in two parts.  
 
Part one will focus on determining if we have a taxable benefit. What is an accountable and non-accountable allowance? We will review the five most common taxable benefits from the Infoline. 

Part two is structured as a workshop-style session. Payroll professionals will work in groups at a round table, presenting what taxable benefits or allowances kept them up at night.  

Subject matter experts will facilitate and act as members of the National Payroll Institute, while the participants will take the role of the Payroll Infoline, debunking the myth of taxable benefits and allowances. 

Nancy Healy

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with the Commissioner for Employers, Ms. Nancy Healey, at our upcoming National Conference!

Discover insights and gain expert knowledge as Commissioner Healey addresses key topics such as the Premium Reduction Program and the Work Sharing Program. Learn about the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes that can help your organization save costs and avoid layoffs.

Explore essential questions and answers that will guide you through:

• Maximizing benefits of the Premium Reduction Program for employers
• Eligibility and application requirements
• Sharing savings with employees
• Efficiently applying for the Work-Sharing Program to retain your workforce

Ginette Clark, Payroll.org

In this session, we will examine the U.S. federal and state taxation rules. You’ll understand when popular fringe benefits are taxable and how to calculate the taxable wages. We will also review the requirements for completing Forms 940, 941, and W-2.

Tina Beauchamp, National Payroll Institute

In 2025, we have reached the end of the implementation schedule for enhanced C/QPP contributions. During this session, we will review the changes payroll professionals have managed over the past seven years and cover some tips to ensure compliance going forward.

• Ensuring the accuracy of the first and second contributions
• The impact enhanced contributions have on income tax withholding
• Pro-ration of the first and second contributions
• Managing employee transfers in and out of Quebec

We will demonstrate the Verify CPP contributions and EI premiums tool in the CRA’s Payroll Deductions Online Calculator (PDOC).

Participants will also be encouraged to share their experiences in answering employee questions and the challenge of explaining complex information in an easy-to-understand way.

Stephanie J Allen, Gateway Development

Are you ready to ‘BE’ living a life that is not about “Doing” more, but knowing you are already enough?  

What does balance look like in a World that is radically changing with greater uncertainty?    

We are being called to embody a “new” paradigm of life that nourishes both our work lives and our personal life.  

With so much ‘unknown’ we need new skills to hold possibility for greater connection with peace in our personal and professional world. The Myth of WYrk /Life Balance (work with a ‘Why’) requires a new way of unfolding our gifts to live a better life with harmony.  

In this session, discover what ‘Balance’ means and how we can create a life that nourishes us – inwardly and outwardly?  

Join this experiential session for:  

• Re-storying yourself and awakening your understanding between your inner and outer self.
• Building a loving connection with the “Great Unknown” for peace.
• Take away the 3 concepts to help you live from a new empowering perspective. 

TBA

Representatives from Avanti

Payroll is about more than just processing payments; it’s a critical part of building trust, maintaining compliance, and ensuring organizational efficiency. This discussion will explore the importance of accurate payroll management and its impact on compliance, cost-effectiveness, and employee satisfaction.

Common Payroll Challenges 

Managing payroll can be complex. This session will address key challenges, including: 

• Adapting to evolving regulations.
• Avoiding costly errors in data handling.
• Managing payroll for geographically distributed or diverse teams.

Best Practices for Effective Payroll Management 

• Automate Processes: Save time and reduce errors by automating calculations, compliance checks, and reporting.
• Enhance Security: Safeguard payroll data with encryption and secure systems.
• Empower Employees: Provide self-service options for accessing pay details and updating personal information.
• Integrate Systems: Combine time tracking and payroll tools for seamless operations.
• Leverage Reporting: Use analytics to inform decisions, maintain compliance, and monitor trends.

Payroll as Part of a Broader HCM Strategy 

Payroll connects to broader human capital management (HCM) systems. Integrating payroll with tools for talent and performance management can improve efficiency and reduce redundancies. 

Practical Tips for Today 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Stay informed about legislative updates.
• Embrace continuous learning to keep up with payroll advancements.

Interactive Q&A 

An open forum for discussing questions and challenges in payroll management.   

Summary and Next Steps 

We’ll wrap up with actionable insights and guidance for implementing best practices to simplify your payroll process and ensure success. 

Michael O’Leary, Robert Half

L’évolution des attentes des employés, un marché du travail compétitif et la prolifération des outils numériques signifient que des environnements flexibles, des flux de travail numériques et une requalification continue sont devenus la norme pour les entreprises canadiennes. Pour s’assurer que vos équipes puissent s’adapter aux défis actuels et futurs, cette présentation propose un plan en huit étapes pour embrasser le changement, équilibrer les équipes à distance, hybrides et en présentiel, redéfinir les stratégies d’embauche, de gestion et de rémunération, et bien plus encore.