Workplace Violence and Harassment Archives - Page 2 of 6

Ontario’s Bill 190: What it could mean for investigating workplace “virtual” sexual harassment

May 29, 2024 | By Katharine Montpetit

The Ontario government recently announced its introduction of Bill 190 (also known as the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024). The bill proposes changes to various pieces of employment-related legislation. One of these changes is the expansion of the definitions of workplace harassment and workplace sexual harassment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) to include certain virtual activities.

Bill C-65 – 3 years later … Are you up to date?

May 28, 2024 | By Christine Thomlinson, | By Lori-Ann Green

Where does the time go? Federally-regulated organizations surely recall the passing of Bill C-65 which amended the harassment and violence provisions of the Canada Labour Code (“CLC”). They also no doubt recall the accompanying Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations (“Regulations”) that came into effect in January of 2021, and set out more specific requirements for those employers that fall within federal jurisdiction.

Can jokes amount to harassment if no one told the jokester to stop?

October 20, 2023 | By Zoë King

“How was I to know they were offended by my jokes? They never told me they were uncomfortable.”

Jokes between colleagues can be an important contributor to positive workplace culture. Unfortunately, some employees are subjected to jokes and teasing that is offensive or demeaning.

Sex, lies, and celebrities: What employers can learn from the Russell Brand allegations

October 10, 2023

In recent weeks, allegations have been raised about actor/comedian Russell Brand regarding various instances of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and bullying from four anonymous women. As outlined below, this story provides several important takeaways for employers and investigators who deal with these issues.

Third-Party Complaints of Workplace Harassment or Discrimination

July 12, 2023 | By Alison Griggs

In 2017, Rubin Thomlinson conducted the Workplace Bystander Survey to gather insight into workplace bystanders (individuals who personally witnessed, heard of, or heard about harassment and discrimination in their workplaces).

Raising allegations of discrimination in the workplace: Is it what you say, or how you say it?

January 25, 2022

In October 2021, my colleague Dana Campbell-Stevens wrote a blog in which she addressed how the law views an individual’s gut feeling about being a victim of discrimination. A recent case from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, Thomas v. Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc., raises issues respecting the potential implications of an individual voicing such a gut feeling.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Considerations for your workplace

November 25, 2021 | By Katharine Montpetit

November 25, 2021, marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As workplace investigators, we know all too well that gender-based violence and harassment is a live issue, the impacts of which can be devastating on the survivor, their loved ones, and the workplace more broadly.

Serious insight for serious situations.