All Canadians deserve a workplace that is free of harassment and violence and where unacceptable behaviour is no longer tolerated. That’s why the Government of Canada took action by introducing Bill C-65, which will protect employees from harassment and violence in federal workplaces, including the federally regulated private sector, the federal public service and parliamentary workplaces.

“We know that legislation alone can’t fix this problem. We need a culture shift to put an end to workplace harassment and violence. The fact that Bill C-65 received support from all parties and moved so quickly demonstrates just how far we’ve come and how serious we are about taking action against these unacceptable behaviours. Today, we’re sending a strong message to Canadians: we hear you, we support you, and we will not allow workplace harassment or violence of any kind to be tolerated in our federally regulated workplaces.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

• Bill C-65 aims to strengthen provisions in the Canada Labour Code by putting into place one comprehensive approach that takes the full spectrum of harassment and violence into consideration. It would also expand the coverage to parliamentary workplaces, including staff of Parliament Hill. The new framework will require employers to:

  1. PREVENT incidents of harassment and violence;|
  2. RESPOND effectively to these incidents if and when they do occur; and
  3. SUPPORT affected employees

• Bill C-65 defines harassment and violence as any action, conduct or comment, including of a sexual nature, which can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation or other physical or psychological injury or illness to an employee, including any prescribed action, conduct or comment.

• The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour is mandated by the Prime Minister to work with the Minister of Status of Women and other ministerial colleagues to ensure that federal workplaces are free from harassment and sexual violence. The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons is mandated by the Prime Minister to take action to ensure that Parliament is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence.

Associated links

• Canadians invited to have their say on proposed regulations against harassment and violence in the workplace
• Government of Canada takes strong action against harassment and sexual violence at work
• Bill C-65

Véronique Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
veronique.simard@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-5611

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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