Brian Burkett

Brian Burkett serves as Counsel at Fasken law firm and holds an Adjunct Professor position at the University of Toronto's Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources (CIRHR). He teaches a course on 'International Developments in Labour and Human Resource Policy' and sits on advisory boards for CIRHR and Queen's University's Centre for Law in the Contemporary Workplace.

His research focuses on the intersection of business operations and human rights, particularly:

• Labour and employment law frameworks in global contexts
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) implementation with emphasis on social compliance
• Business and human rights due diligence
• International labour standards and supply chain regulation

Recent publications examine evolving legal frameworks addressing forced labour, multinational corporate compliance, and globalization's impact on labour rights. His scholarship consistently addresses regulatory challenges in transnational business operations.

Significant honours include:

• Bora Laskin Award for contributions to Canadian labour law (2024)
• Chambers Canada Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
• Canadian Freedom of Association Award (2021)
• Fellowship in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

He actively contributes to international policy through the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, International Labour Organization (ILO) committees, and Canadian government trade advisory groups including the CUSMA Labour Consultation Group.