MUTUAL RESPECT

Objectives To clearly establish the responsibilities and accountability of all members to prevent and discourage harassment Create and maintain a harassment-free environment through: Education and awareness Prevention Intervention Effective complaint handling The intent of the National Mutual Respect Regulation is to provide all members with a harassment-free environment. This can be accomplished through prevention, and through effective complaint resolution. In resolving the complaint-the goal is to eliminate the harassment. As a minimum, the process must include: • Informing the harasser that the behaviour is inappropriate, in contravention of the CSP regulation, Human Rights Act, and must cease immediately. • Asking for an apology from the harasser and arranging for a face-to-face meeting or a written apology between the parties to effect the resolution. • Advising both the complainant and the respondent that a recurrence of the behaviour will result in the need for corrective and disciplinary action.

What Is Harassment? Generally defined as behaviour including comments and/or conduct which is: insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading, or otherwise offensive to an individual or groups of individuals, or which creates an uncomfortable environment.

The Human Rights Code Prohibits harassment on the following grounds: Race Ancestry Place of Origin Colour Ethnic Origin Marital/Family Status Citizenship Creed (religion) Sex Sexual Orientation Disability Age Record of Offense

Identifying Harassment Harassment may include: Written/Verbal abuse or threats, physical assault Sexually oriented comments Racial/Ethnic slurs Displaying sexually explicit, racist or otherwise offensive derogatory material Sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious graffiti Unwelcome sexual remarks, leering, or other obscene gestures Unwelcome physical contact Vandalism

Complaint Process First attempt to resolve the issue directly with the person(s) concerned: Make it clear the actions are not welcome Asking for apology Document – keep written record of the incident (including times/place) and witnesses If not resolved, report the incident to the Vice-President of Operations at appropriate level

Investigation Process Once a complaint is formally lodged, the following steps will be initiated: The complaint is documented and forwarded to the Vice President of Operations Division Executive is informed and a person of competency is appointed An investigation is carried out

Complaint made against you Apologize either verbal or written Co-operate fully with the investigators so the facts are fully determined

Resolution Informing the harasser that the behaviour is inappropriate Apology Recurrence of the behaviour will result in the need for corrective and disciplinary action In resolving the complaint-the goal is to eliminate the harassment. As a minimum, the process must include: • Informing the harasser that the behaviour is inappropriate, in contravention of the CSP regulation, Human Rights Act, and must cease immediately. • Asking for an apology from the harasser and arranging for a face-to-face meeting or a written apology between the parties to effect the resolution. • Advising both the complainant and the respondent that a recurrence of the behaviour will result in the need for corrective and disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action Actions taken may include but are not limited to: Sanctions Warnings, verbal or written Probationary conditions Temporary membership suspension Termination of membership Appeal Procedure All disciplinary action is left to the discretion of the Vice-President of Operations and their investigative members. Members who have been accused of harassment and are not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint have the right to appeal. To do so, they must provide full documentation to the next operating level of the system. The final step in the CSP procedure is to appeal to the National President. As a minimum, the process must include: • Providing a completed Appeals form • Attaching a copy of the Complaint form • Any and all documentation that may provide further insight into the complaint.

Intent The intent of the National Mutual Respect regulation is to provide all members with a harassment-free environment. There should be no fear of retaliation or afraid someone will be getting back at you if: file a complaint are a witness to a complaint http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/publications/what_is_it-eng.aspx