House of Assembly Concurs in Final Report of the Privileges and Elections Committee on the Development of a Legislature-Specific Harassment-Free Workplace Policy

  • House of Assembly

December 3, 2019

On December 2, 2019, the House of Assembly unanimously concurred in the Final Report of the Privileges and Elections Committee on the Development of a Legislature-specific Harassment-free Workplace Policy, April 2019. The work was directed to the Committee by a Private Members’ Resolution passed by the House on May 2, 2018.

With concurrence in the final report and its recommendations, the House of Assembly passed the Harassment-Free Workplace Policy Applicable to Complaints Against Members of the House of Assembly (the Policy) proposed by the Privileges and Elections Committee of the 48th General Assembly. The Policy will come into effect on April 1, 2020.

The delayed effective date for the new Policy is required for the following reasons:

  • There is an implementation period required for the Office of the Citizens’ Representative, which will have an expanded mandate as a result of the Policy; and
  • Several consequential statutory amendments to the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act must be passed by the House before the proposed Policy can come into effect.

The Harassment-Free Workplace Policy Applicable to Complaints Against Members of the House of Assembly, effective April 1, 2020 will:

  • Outline a comprehensive definition of harassment;
  • Provide a confidential support mechanism through the establishment of a position, independent of the Legislature (including its statutory offices), to provide support and guidance to individuals throughout the process;
  • Assign jurisdiction for the complaint and resolution process, including formal investigations, to an independent office of the Legislature (Office of the Citizens’ Representative);
  • Establish a clear process for complaints;
  • Provide both informal and formal resolution options;
  • Include mechanisms to protect confidentiality of the complainant and witnesses; and
  • Make respectful workplace training mandatory for all MHAs.

The interim process for application of the Executive branch Harassment-Free Workplace Policy to MHAs (as adopted by the House of Assembly Management Commission, June 2018) will remain in effect for any issues of harassment that may arise prior to the new Policy coming into effect.

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Learn more
Harassment-Free Workplace Policy Applicable to Complaints Against Members of the House of Assembly, effective April 1, 2020

Final Report of the Privileges and Elections Committee on the Development of a Legislature-Specific Harassment-Free Workplace Policy, April 2019

Interim process for application of the Executive branch Harassment-Free Workplace Policy to MHAs (as adopted by the House of Assembly Management Commission, June 2018)

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

2019 12 03 2:20 pm