Fact Sheet – Updates to the Policy on the Prevention of Harassment in the Workplace (2001)

Introduction

The 2001 Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace has been replaced by the Policy on Harassment Prevention and Resolution and the Directive on the Harassment Complaint Process as part of this review.

Why is this policy important?

Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The objective of this Policy and the accompanying Directive is to maintain a productive, healthy and respectful workplace where positive working relationships and practices are promoted and is guided by the values of the public sector which include treating each other with respect and fairness.

Major changes

Compared to the 2001 Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace, the renewed Policy on Harassment Prevention and Resolution:

• gives deputy heads the flexibility to tailor harassment prevention and resolution mechanisms and practices to their operational needs;
• emphasizes the need for organizations to restore the workplace following alleged harassment, and encourages greater use of informal resolution processes; and
• puts greater emphasis on the need for organizations to undertake preventive activities and achieve results in a manner that is both respectful to employees and supportive of a more collaborative approach between deputy heads, employees and bargaining agents on harassment prevention and resolution.

The renewed Policy and the new Directive continue to reflect the responsibility of deputy heads for establishing and maintaining a respectful and harassment-free workplace, for promptly resolving related complaints, and for monitoring compliance within their organizations.

Implementation plan

The Policy provides broad direction to departments and agencies to ensure respectful workplaces in the federal public service.

These policy instruments come into effect on October 1, 2012.

For more information

Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer / Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Esplanade Laurier
300 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R5

General Email: Contact Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat by e-mail info@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-957-2400
Toll free: 1-877-636-0656
TTY: 613-957-9090
Facsimile: 613-941-4000