Start Slow, Lead Fast: The Smarter Way to Embrace AI
By Dean Benard When it comes to adopting new tools and processes, whether in workplaces or professional regulation, one lesson always holds true: slow is
October 29, 2025
For over two decades, Benard + Associates has empowered organizations to stay true to their mission.
We support professional regulators in fulfilling their mandates and help workplaces prevent and resolve conflicts, enabling them to focus on what matters most.
Celebrating two decades of impact
Why Benard and Associates
Since 2004, Benard + Associates has built safer workplaces and stronger regulatory systems. Our team specializes exclusively in professional regulation and workplace conflict, combining investigations, mediation, education, and mentoring into solutions that last.
What makes us different
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Specialists, not generalists
We focus on professional regulation and workplace conflict. Our depth of expertise means you get precise, reliable solutions, not broad strokes. -
Independent & defensible
As a trusted third party, we bring objectivity and integrity to every matter. Our investigations and stand up to scrutiny and are respected by regulators, boards, arbitrators, and courts. -
Practical outcomes
We deliver results you can act on. From clear investigation and assessment reports to expert decision writing, our work translates into real solutions that resolve issues and restore focus. -
Comprehensive support
From prevention to resolution, we are with you every step of the way. Whether it’s training, investigations, or policy support, we provide the full spectrum of services to meet your needs.
Regulatory Solutions
Regulatory investigations and mediation is where we started. For over two decades, our Regulatory Solutions Division has delivered unparalleled expertise in navigating complex matters. With a dedicated team of investigators, mediators, and decision writers, we provide tailored solutions to regulators across Canada.
Regulatory Investigations
Our investigations team of 11 seasoned and committed investigators manages every kind of matter including allegations of misconduct, practice related issues, incapacity, and illegal practice. Adaptable to different professional contexts, and various jurisdictional regulations, this team is always ready.
Regulatory Complaints Resolution
Investigation is not always the answer. Our team of mediators assist regulators in pursuing resolution to complaints through mediation and other forms of facilitated conflict resolution. We also assist regulators in developing robust conflict resolution programs
Decision Writing Services
At Benard + Associates, we understand the critical importance of clear, concise, and well-reasoned decisions in professional regulation. Our experienced decision writers craft detailed decision documents that capture the committee’s reasoning, ensuring they align with applicable legislation, regulatory standards, and best practices.
Workplace Solutions
Our Workplace Solutions Division is renowned for providing investigation and mediation services with unparalleled efficiency. This dedicated team of seasoned professionals uses innovative strategies, up to date technology, and an overarching mandate of fairness to deliver clear, actionable, and trusted results for our clients.
Workplace Investigations
Our team of workplace investigators handle cases involving allegations of harassment, bullying, discrimination – including alleged human rights violations, and violence in all types of workplaces. They also perform workplace assessments to assist in identifying the root cause of conflict or tension in a workplace.
Workplace Dispute Resolution
Benard + Associates offer a full range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services that can assist parties in resolving their disputes. Workplace mediation is our particular specialty including such issues as return to work negotiations, interpersonal workplace conflict, team disputes, wrongful dismissal allegations, and labour management disputes such as grievances.
Expert Witness / Evaluation Service
With over 30 years of investigation experience, thousands of investigations completed, and as leaders in the area of investigation training, we are often retained to review investigations and their processes to offer an unbiased expert opinion on the quality of investigation work. This service is provided exclusively by our Founder and CEO, Dean Benard.
Education and Training
The Benard + Associates Education Centre offers online courses in both workplace and regulatory investigations. We also provide customized programs for organizations looking to train their teams.
Online Programs
- Accessible, self-paced learning for individuals
- Includes a live learning community, complimentary with every course
- Ideal for regulatory or workplace investigators
- Accredited and pre-approved CPD hours
- Focused modules targeting key areas of investigation skills and practical applications
- Flexible and cost-effective
Customized Programs
- Comprehensive, tailored training from strategy to execution
- Designed for organizations seeking to enhance their team’s skills and address any issues or unique challenges
- Specialized options to focus on specific investigative techniques or compliance requirements
- Delivered in person or online with personalized support to align with your team’s goals and operational needs
Industries We Work With
Professional Regulators
Educational Institutions
Healthcare Institutions
Municipal and Provincial Governments
Utility Companies
Law Firms
Manufacturers
Law Enforcement Agencies
What Our Customers Are Saying
Due to the confidential nature of our services, client identities and details are withheld. All testimonials reflect verified client experiences and are shared with permission
Workplace Solutions Client
“When we reached out, Benard + Associates responded within hours. Their team launched our workplace investigation immediately, giving us confidence that action was being taken without delay.”
Not-For-Profit Client
“As a charitable organization, cost of the investigation was a major concern. Benard + Associates delivered exceptional value, providing excellent services, as promised that fit within our budget.”
Nationally Recognized Law Firm
“Our legal team is impressed by their efficiency. They completed a highly complex investigation in less than five weeks, meeting strict deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards.”
Regulatory Client
“Our professional conduct team was grateful for their trauma-informed approach. The team managed a sensitive sexual abuse investigation with care and professionalism, ensuring that dignity and respect were preserved for everyone involved”
Investigation Participant
“I thought being part of an investigation would be an awful experience, but your investigator was thoughtful, allowed me to move at my own speed, and respected my history, and needs throughout the process.”
Blog Insights
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Navigating Parallel Investigations: Aligning Workplace and Regulatory Processes
In today’s professional environment, workplace investigators and regulatory investigators often find themselves dealing with the same issues from different vantage points. A workplace investigation may
September 25, 2025 -
The Fallout of a Flawed Investigation
Not long ago, I was asked to step in and repair the damage from an investigation that had gone off the rails. The case had
August 28, 2025 -
Weaponizing Complaints: The Growing Threat to Justice & Integrity
Complaint abuse, or the weaponization of grievance systems, is a rising concern in Canada and globally. What begins as a tool for justice and accountability
July 24, 2025 -
The Role of Organizational Culture in Triggering Investigations: Beyond Individual Acts
By Dean Benard For many years, investigations in both professional regulatory environments and workplaces focused primarily on individual behaviour. A complaint came forward, an allegation
November 19, 2025 -
Managing the Investigation of Anonymous Whistleblower Complaints in the Workplace
Every organization worth its salt wants to do the right thing. They put policies in place, they train people, and they promote cultures of respect,
December 16, 2025
Interested in learning more?
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Office
240 Holiday Inn Drive Unit J
Cambridge, Ontario N3C 3X4
