Investigations Archives - Rubin Thomlinson

Hockey Night in Canada – the verdict is in, prompting a reckoning between criminal and civil evidentiary standards

July 25, 2025 | By Chantel Levy

On July 24, 2025, Justice Maria Carroccia delivered her verdict in the widely followed sexual assault criminal trial in which she considered the actions of five former World Junior hockey players, in relation to a woman, in a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. Justice Carroccia found the accused not guilty, and stated that the woman, referred to as “EM” throughout the trial, was neither credible nor reliable.

C-Suite Investigations: Reflections on investigating allegations against senior leaders

June 25, 2025 | By Elizabeth Bingham

You receive an anonymous complaint through your whistleblowing portal that your CFO is having an affair with a subordinate. Your board receives a complaint that your CEO is creating a toxic work environment. Some of the most challenging complaints for organizations to address are complaints against C-level employees and other members of senior leadership.

Money, power, & respect: Takeaways from the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial as a workplace investigator

June 12, 2025

By the time you read this blog, we will be entering week five of the federal investigation and legal proceedings involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. Side note: Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. For some, this trial may feel like a blockbuster movie—complete with shocking allegations involving guns, drive-by shootings, explosives, and even kidnapping.

Why every workplace investigator should be a case law expert and other lessons from a recent arbitration decision

June 10, 2025 | By Liliane Gingras

As workplace investigators, we always think about the possibility of our work being legally scrutinized: either before a court, tribunal, or arbitrator. While we know that some cases carry greater risks than others, we know that the possibility of a legal challenge exists in every case.

Breathwork for investigators: Enhancing focus, reducing stress, and building resilience

June 5, 2025 | By Heather Shields

Conducting workplace investigations can be tough on investigators. Staying physically and mentally healthy is crucial. I sometimes need help from others. Recently, I visited my athletic therapist, Natasha, for help with a stubborn knot in my shoulder and neck.

“How can we help?” Considering accommodation for persons with disabilities in workplace investigations

May 20, 2025 | By Alison Griggs

In my previous blog post, You Ought to Know? Rethinking the ‘Reasonable Person’ Standard When Disability Is a Factor, I shared my experiences applying the reasonable person standard in investigations where the respondents identified as having cognitive, intellectual, or psychological disabilities that may have affected their ability to understand that their behaviour may be unwelcome.

Qui est impartial ? Réflexions sur l’affaire Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association v. Toronto Metropolitan University

March 5, 2025 | By Elizabeth Bingham,

L’une de nos responsabilités premières en tant qu’enquêteur(e)s en milieu de travail est d’être impartial. Les raisons de cette exigence sont assurément évidentes : si nous menions une enquête avec une idée préconçue de nos conclusions finales ou si nous favorisions une partie à l’enquête au détriment de l’autre, notre enquête ne serait pas équitable, et les participant(e)s n’auraient aucune raison de croire à l’intégrité de celle-ci.

Love is in the air? Investigating romantic relationships in the workplace

February 13, 2025 | By Liliane Gingras

At some point in their careers, most investigators will be asked to investigate a matter involving a workplace romantic relationship. I have certainly seen my fair share of these cases over the years. In this blog, I provide an overview of the circumstances that may lead to an investigation into a workplace romantic relationship, and tips on how to conduct such an investigation.

Serious insight for serious situations.