The Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections (PEC) is continuing its work toward the development of a legislature-specific harassment-free workplace policy, as ordered in the Private Members’ Resolution (PMR) on May 2, 2018. In accordance with parliamentary procedures, the Committee’s recommendations will be reported back to the House of Assembly for debate and approval.
As directed in the PMR, the Committee has conducted extensive consultations over the last several months which are nearing completion. Since June, the PEC has heard presentations from numerous independent/external groups and organizations, including:
- Citizens’ Representative
- 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
- Equal Voice
- Nova Scotia Legislature
- Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women (PANSOW)
- Goss Gilroy Inc., Management Consultants
- Gardiner Centre
- Native Friendship Centre
- Egale Canada
In addition, the Committee has also consulted with all MHAs and is finalizing consultations with employees of the Legislature.
The Privileges and Elections Committee will continue to develop its recommendations for a legislature-specific harassment-free workplace policy based on jurisdictional analysis and the valuable input it has received through its consultations. The Committee will table an interim report in the House of Assembly in the upcoming Fall sitting, which will include a summary of what it has heard along with a preview of the direction it will be taking in its final recommendations to the House.
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
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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