NDP moves to disclose harassment policy

NDP won’t reveal names of accused MLAs, citing confidentiality

The NDP has disclosed its policy on harassment in the wake of revelations two NDP MLAs and one UCP MLA have been investigated following workplace complaints.

In the case of the NDP the two complaints involved sexual misconduct, but the party is doubling down on its promise not to release the MLA’s identities.

It boils down to confidentiality, which comprises a clause in the NDP policy.

The policy says only those people necessary to the investigation will be made aware of the complaint, and they are required to keep the matter confidential. Failure to do so “may result in disciplinary action,” the policy reads.

“We’re being very open about how seriously we take these concerns, and allegations and that we did the appropriate followup,” deputy premier Sarah Hoffman said on her way into cabinet.

Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill Alberta Party MLA Karen McPherson begs to differ.

She has asked the Speaker for an independent investigation into how allegations of sexual misconduct were handled.

“Any kind of secrecy takes away from the credibility of the process,”

The more transparent the process, the better result and the more credibility there is, especially for anybody who wants to come forward.

McPherson said Monday. “The more transparent the process, the better result and the more credibility there is, especially for anybody who wants to come forward.”

Premier Rachel Not ley said Monday she’s happy for the Speaker“or anyone else” to take a look at her party’s policy, but said directives from the Speaker’s office could set a “difficult precedent.”

The NDP’s policy details what constitutes harassment, and the complaints process. Complaints about a minister or government staffer go to Notley’s deputy chief of staff, while those about backbenchers or caucus staffers go to the caucus executive director.

The person who receives the complaint then considers — alongside the complainant — an informal resolution, which could include a mediated resolution. If that doesn’t work, it can progress to a formal investigation by an independent third party.

A resolution to review the party ’s anti-harassment policy was put forward by the women’s caucus at the recent Alberta NDP convention, but was too far back in the priority list to make it to the floor.

The UCP uses the Respectful Workplace Policy prepared by the Legislative Assembly Office. It too has a clause about confidentiality, but says a complainant won’t be granted anonymity because the respondent “has the right to know and respond to the allegations.”

It also goes into details about the ramifications of making false or frivolous complaints.

The Alberta Party, on the other hand, uses the harassment policy outlined by the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Notley said she would pit the NDP’s harassment policy against most others, including that of the Legislative Assembly Office.