This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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A statement issued by the office of Commons Speaker and chair of the multi-party board, Andrew Scheer, on Wednesday confirmed that the secretive committee of MPs has approved a new harassment policy governing politicians and their staff, both in their offices and at work-related social gatherings off Parliament Hill. According to the announcement, the policy was approved by The Board of Internal Economy on Tuesday and it is based on an existing harassment policy available to administrative employees of the House of Commons.
Scheer’s office mentioned in the statement that “the policy addresses prevention, processes for filing informal and formal complaints, investigating and reporting, appeals, and communicating findings,” adding that “it also outlines the rights and obligations of the complainant and the respondent as well as the roles and responsibilities of all concerned parties.” Furthermore, it was added that “the Board is confident that the policy adopted today places a priority on maintaining confidentiality and impartiality, and the paramount need to protect the rights of complainants and respondents.” The policy comes into effect immediately.
Politicians felt the need to devise a new harassment policy, covering MPs and their staff, after allegations of sexual misconduct among unidentified NDP MPs, MPs Scott Andrews and Massimo Pacetti came to light. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has suspended both accused MPs from his caucus since Nov. 5, even though both still maintain their innocence. Quite noticeably, the policy does not apply to unionized employees or employees of the Commons administration, since both are covered by separate frameworks.
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