Via blind copy to Northern Alberta Locals, PRC Reps, RVPs, PSAC Committees and General Mailing List
Greetings all,
I am forwarding the latest information on the important and needed changes to the harassment and violence prevention provisions applicable to those workplaces under federal jurisdiction. Most importantly, these changes will come into force on January 1, 2021. There are also numerous other changes outlined in the information contained in the links below, as well as in the attached infographic.
Prior to coming into force, we will be developing tools and resources to educate and inform those affected through a variety of methods, as well as updating our current education material to reflect these changes.
Should you have any questions regarding these upcoming changes, please do not hesitate to contact your local, your component, or myself at any of the coordinates below. Please share and distribute this information.
Stay safe,
Clint Wirth
Regional Representative, Health and Safety- Prairie Region
Public Service Alliance of Canada
460-175 Hargrave St.
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 3R8
phone (204)815-5718
fax (204)943-0652
wirthc@psac.com
Proud member of the Canadian Union of Labour Employees
I would like to acknowledge I live and work in Treaty 1 territory and that the land is the traditional territory of the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.
I am dedicated to ensuring that the spirit of Reconciliation and Treaty 1 is honoured and respected. I respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, I acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and I dedicate myself to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Good morning,
The Government of Canada made a commitment to ensure all Canadian workers, including the most vulnerable, are protected from harassment and violence in federally regulated workplaces.
Today, the Government is taking an important step toward strengthened federal provisions in the Canada Labour Code to better protect workers and support employers. The Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations (the Regulations) are now published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, and will come into force on January 1, 2021. The Regulations replace Part XX of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, portions of the Canada Labour Standards Regulations, as well as occupational health and safety regulations related to aviation, maritime, oil and gas, and on board trains. They highlight the importance of harassment and violence prevention and make it easier for employers and employees to identify their rights and duties. To ensure the Regulations respond to the needs of the workplaces where they will apply, we worked with Canadians, employers, employees, unions, subject matter experts, and health and safety representatives in federally regulated industries, among others.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government recognizes that many employers may be experiencing unforeseen disruptions in their workplace. That is why the Regulations are being published in Part II of the Canada Gazette approximately six months ahead of the coming into force date. This will enable employers to focus on the specific needs of their workplace during this difficult time while giving them time to prepare for the coming into force of the Regulations. The Government will continue to support workplaces that need help preparing for the coming into force.
What will employers need to do once the Regulations come into force?
- Prepare the workplace harassment and violence prevention policy working jointly with:
-
- the policy committee
- the workplace committee, or
- the health and safety representative
- Assess the risk of workplace harassment and violence
- Inform and train employees, and take training themselves
- When an incident of harassment or violence is reported, respond within seven days
- Keep records on every incident of harassment and violence in the workplace and report annually to the Labour Program
- Implement corrective measures in response to the investigation report of an investigator to prevent future occurrences of harassment and violence
Tools and resources for workplaces
- Addressing domestic violence in the workplace through collaboration provides domestic violence, readiness assessment, training, policies for survivor and perpetrator and a preliminary risk screening tool
- G’minoomaadozimin – We Are Living Well: health and safety resources developed by Nokiiwin Tribal Council
If you want to learn more about the Regulations or have questions, I invite you to:
- read the attached document
- visit Canada.ca
- read the news release
- contact us by email or call us toll-free at 1-800-641-4049
- follow us on LinkedIn
