The Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections is continuing to meet and make progress toward the development of a legislature-specific harassment-free workplace policy.

The Committee has held several meetings over the past month and has reviewed research and analysis of harassment policies in other jurisdictions. To date, submissions have been heard from the Citizens’ Representative; the Commissioner for Legislative Standards; Respectful Workplace Program, Public Service Commission; Women’s Policy Office; Department of Justice and Public Safety; Human Rights Commission Newfoundland and Labrador; and Equal Voice. The Committee has also consulted with officials of the Nova Scotia Legislature on its policy for the prevention and resolution of harassment in the workplace.

The Privileges and Elections Committee will continue to hear submissions from external groups and organizations over the coming weeks. It is also working with officials from the Public Engagement Division to develop and conduct consultations with all Members of the House of Assembly and employees.

A Private Members’ Resolution, passed unanimously by the House of Assembly on May 2, 2018, directed the Committee to undertake this work. In accordance with parliamentary procedures, the Committee’s recommendations must be reported back to the House of Assembly for debate. The complete resolution is outlined in the backgrounder below.

Current membership on the Privileges and Elections Committee is as follows:

Scott Reid (Chair) – St. George’s-Humber
Lorraine Michael (Vice Chair) – St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi
Keith Hutchings – Ferryland
Pam Parsons – Harbour Grace-Port de Grave
John Finn – Stephenville-Port au Port

– 30 –

Media contact
Scott Reid, MHA
District of St. George’s-Humber
Chair, Privileges and Elections Committee
Tel: 709-646-3110
Email: scottreid@gov.nl.ca

Background

Private Members’ Resolution – May 2, 2018
“BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House support the introduction of a legislature-specific harassment policy, similar in principle to the policy in effect in the Nova Scotia provincial legislature, where elected representatives and their staff are held responsible for inappropriate conduct;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Honourable House, through the introduction of a legislature-specific harassment policy, recognize all forms of harassment including bullying, cyber-bullying and intimidation of all forms;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Honourable House develop this legislature-specific harassment policy through the Privileges and Elections Committee of this House in consultation with all Members and employees of the House and with independent groups who have experience and expertise in handling harassment complaints”.