Legislation will now cover independent contractors, students and volunteers
Saskatchewan is looking to make changes to better protect workers from harassment in the workplace.
The Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act, 2021, clarifies that any unwelcome action of a sexual nature constitutes harassment.
Also, the legislation will now cover independent contractors, students and volunteers.
"The legislation that governs our employers and employees needs to address the challenges of the modern work environment, including protecting vulnerable workers," says Don Morgan, minister of labour relations and workplace safety. "These amendments will help us build a stronger, safer and healthier Saskatchewan."
New regulations around workplace harassment and violence in federally regulated workplaces took effect at the start of the year.
If passed, Saskatchewan would become one of five jurisdictions to specifically reference sexual harassment in legislation.
The support comes more than two years after New Brunswick passed legislation to protect workers from violence and harassment by requiring all employers to develop and implement a written code of practice.
In November 2020, Yukon gave royal assent to Bill No. 10 to provide access to paid and unpaid leave for victims of domestic and sexualized violence.
Manitoba and British Columbia also previously introduced legislation around domestic and interpersonal violence.
