Workplace investigations

KPMG Law’s Workplace Investigations practice conducts independent, third party investigations of workplace complaints, on behalf of employers, including allegations of harassment, violence, discrimination, retaliation, and other serious misconduct. In an environment of heightened legal and regulatory expectations, organizations are expected to respond to workplace complaints with rigor, impartiality, and transparency.

In addition to conducting third-party investigations, our lawyers are sought after specialists in conducting environmental workplace assessments, and in advising employers on the design and management of an internal workplace investigation function.

Our practice is comprised of licensed, experienced employment lawyers and paralegals, all of whom have received extensive training nationally and internationally on investigation methodology and best practices. Our practice is particularly experienced in federal workplace investigations under the Canada Labour Code, with two of our lawyers being roster CCOHS investigators, and we also have specialized expertise in addressing allegations of gender discrimination in the workplace.

As neutral third party investigators, we are not advocates for employers, or for employees. We are advocates for the process.

Jessica Kearsey

Partner, Workplace Law, KPMG Law LLP

KPMG Canada

Jessica Kearsey

Partner, Workplace Law, KPMG Law LLP

KPMG Canada

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How we can help

We support clients across the full lifecycle of workplace investigations, including:

Preliminary assessment and intake
We assess the admissibility and scope of complaints, advise on threshold issues, and support careful communications with complainants and respondents, including trauma informed approaches where appropriate.
Investigation design and execution
We conduct impartial and procedurally fair investigations, including interviews and evidence review, and manage the process in a structured and discreet manner.
Findings and legal analysis
We deliver clear and well reasoned investigation reports that assess credibility and reliability, set out factual findings based on the balance of probabilities, and analyze whether conduct meets applicable legal or policy definitions.
Post investigation recommendations
Where required and appropriate, we advise on appropriate next steps following an investigation, including remediation recommendations and lessons learned to support a respectful workplace.

Our investigations are designed to withstand scrutiny from regulators, courts, unions, and other stakeholders, while maintaining fairness and independence throughout the process.

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Integrated access to forensic expertise

Where appropriate, our Workplace Investigations practice is supported by integrated access to KPMG’s forensic investigations, integrity and dispute services professionals. This collaboration allows advanced forensic capabilities to be incorporated into workplace investigations involving complex evidence or technology driven issues.

Through this integrated model, clients can draw on forensic support in areas such as digital evidence collection and preservation, email and messaging recovery, data analysis, and in-depth review of publicly available information where appropriate. In addition, allegations of financial wrongdoing and conflict of interest may be best addressed by a combined investigative team of forensic accountants and workplace investigators.

The result is a coordinated investigation process that combines legal judgment with evidentiary rigor to support thorough, defensible outcomes.

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Workplace investigations