Roughly 26,000 staff to be trained in phases over 2 years
Alberta is expanding anti-harassment training to more public sector workers in the province.
An online anti-harassment course previously offered to Alberta government employees is now being offered to all agencies, boards and commissions across the province. Under the program, about 26,000 staff will be trained in phases over two years.
“We have to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected in their workplace,” says Premier Jason Kenney. “Alberta has made this anti-harassment training mandatory for all public service employees and it’s now being made available to all provincial agencies, boards and commissions. We’re making it crystal clear that harassment of any kind is unacceptable in the public service.”
Too often, people are afraid to speak up about harassment or uncomfortable situations at work, according to a previous report.
The 90-minute course is based on Canadian legislation that governs workplace bullying and harassment protocols. It also covers critical topics that are recommended in the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace Standard.
About 60 per cent of Alberta Public Service employees have already completed the course, according to the government.
At the start of this year, independent contractors, students and volunteers had been included in the definition of workers protected from any form of harassment under the Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act, 2021.
At the start of 2021, updated regulations around workplace harassment and violence, and employment equity, took effect for federally regulated workplaces.
Employers’ workplace harassment and violence prevention policies, Ottawa notes, must:
- include the employer’s commitment to prevent and protect employees against harassment and violence
- describe the roles of workplace parties in relation to harassment and violence in the workplace
- describe the risk factors that contribute to workplace harassment and violence
- list training that you will provide about workplace harassment and violence
- include the resolution process employees should follow if they witness or experience workplace harassment or violence
- include the reason for which a review and update of the workplace assessment must be conducted
