Ottawa – As part of the Senate’s commitment to preventing harassment, a Senate subcommittee has launched an intensive review of the institution’s harassment policy.

On December 7, 2017, the Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration authorized the Subcommittee on Human Resources to update the Senate Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.

The subcommittee will therefore hold a series of intensive consultations before the summer adjournment. Expert witnesses will testify in hearings that will be open to the public and broadcast live online, in keeping with the Senate’s commitment to openness and transparency.

The subcommittee is expected to table a report in the fall.

The Senate’s current harassment policy was adopted in June 2009. While subcommittee members commend the work that went into this policy, senators believe it can be improved, particularly with regard to the procedures for resolving harassment allegations.

The Senate remains committed to preventing and addressing all forms of harassment. The events of the past year, which was indelibly marked by the #MeToo movement, have only strengthened the Senate’s resolve to make the current harassment policy even more robust.

Quick Facts

• Public meetings of the Subcommittee on Human Resources have been scheduled for Tuesday, June 5, 2018, Tuesday, June 12, 2018 and Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
• Information about the location and time of these meetings will be posted on the subcommittee’s page of the Senate website.

Associated Links

• Follow the subcommittee on social media using the hashtag #HRRH.
• Sign up for the Senate’s eNewsletter.

For more information, please contact:

Sonia Noreau
Communications Directorate
Senate of Canada
613-614-1180 | sonia.noreau@sen.parl.gc.ca