Interim Application of Harassment-Free Workplace Policy for Complaints Against Members of the House of Assembly

  • House of Assembly

June 8, 2018

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Honourable Perry Trimper, advises that a Harassment-Free Workplace Policy is in effect that applies to complaints against Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) in accordance with House of Assembly Management Commission Directive 2018-001.

The policy applicable to Members is the same as the new Executive Branch Harassment-Free Workplace Policy that came into effect on June 1, 2018. However, the complaint and resolutions processes had to be adapted to make them appropriate for elected officials. These processes will be overseen by the Commissioner for Legislative Standards.

On May 2, 2018, the House of Assembly unanimously passed a Private Member’s Motion, which constitutes an order to the Privileges and Elections Committee (PEC) to develop a Legislature-specific harassment policy. Once its work is completed, the Committee must bring its recommendations back to the House of Assembly for debate and a decision (via a vote).

The Management Commission has directed application of the Harassment-Free Workplace Policy on an interim basis, unless otherwise directed by the Commission, while the Privileges and Elections Committee undertakes its work.

Further information is outlined in Commission Directive 2018-001: www.assembly.nl.ca/ManComm/Directives/Directive2018-001.pdf .

– 30 –

Learn More

Executive Branch Harassment-Free Workplace Policy (effective June 1): www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/hrs/working_with_us/harassment_free_workplace.html

Private Members’ Resolution – approved May 2, 2018:
www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/OrderPapers/2018/may02_2018.htm 

Media contacts
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly 
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca 

Adrienne Luther
Communications & Training Manager
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
Office of the Commissioner for Legislative Standards
709-729-1474
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca

2018 06 08 10:30 am