JUNE 2013
Sample Policy for Preventing and Responding to Attachment B
Workplace Harassment and Violence
We are committed to providing a working environment in which all individuals are treated with
respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes
equal opportunities and prohibits harassment and discriminatory practices.
1. Harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of race, ancestry, place of
origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences,
marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability are illegal.
2. Individuals found to have engaged in behaviour constituting harassment or violence may be
severely disciplined.
3. It is the responsibility of all workers to raise concerns about violence and harassment. We
encourage workers to report incidents of harassment or violence towards themselves or
co-workers to their supervisor.
4. This policy applies to everyone working for our company whether as a part-time, full-time
or seasonal employee. The policy also applies to others in the work context, such as
volunteers, co-op students, dependent and independent contractors.
5. The term "harassment" refers to any behavior that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates,
annoys alarms or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be un
welcome. This consists of but is not limited to words, gestures, jokes, intimidation, or bullying.
Examples include:
■ suggestive or offensive remarks including comments about clothing and physical
appearance that are unwelcome or ought to be known to be unwelcome;
■ unwelcome physical conduct;
■ propositions of physical intimacy;
■ verbal abuse or leering;
■ comments, signs, caricatures, or cartoons displayed in the workplace of sexual and/
or offensive nature including those that depict minority racial or religious groups in a
demeaning manner.
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