Initiative tackles issue of harassment of political staff
Following a comprehensive review on resources policies, the government of Alberta has released a new Respectful Workplace Policy for political staff in the province.
The new policy contains detailed information on how to make a complaint, how investigations are conducted, what the consequences are for a violation, and definitions of various types of workplace harassment.
It covers all political staff in the government of Alberta, including those employed in the Office of the Premier as well as ministerial offices.
It was formulated by Jamie Pytel and Alex Matthews from the Edmonton-based Kingsgate Legal, with the former describing the policy as a "positive step forward" for political workers.
"Political staff work in a dynamic and high-pressure environment," said Pytel in a statement.
"This policy recognises these unique workplace considerations while protecting staff from harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. This policy is a positive step forward for people working in politics."
The policy also encourages staff to bring forward complaints without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring that the regulations will not be used as a tool to harass a person or organisation.
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According to a news release from the government, the premier and all ministers have signed a statement committing themselves to a harassment-free workplace. They also vowed to ensure that workplace harassment, discrimination, or violence brought to their concern are strictly confidential.
Furthermore, they pledged to co-operate in good faith in cases of formal workplace complaints and engage in cases of informal resolutions in order to restore a working relationship.
The provincial government said the new policy supports the Executive Council's commitment to ensuring a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence.
It follows the government announcement early this year that anti-harassment training will be expanded to all agencies, boards, and commissions across Alberta.
"Alberta has made this anti-harassment training mandatory for all public service employees, and it's now being made available to all provincial agencies, boards and commissions," said Premier Jason Kenney in a statement.