Labour minister call for projects to combat workplace harassment

The Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Solidarity, Jean Boulet, is looking for projects as a part of the Program to Combat Psychological or Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. Closing on Feb. 12, 2021, over $1.9 million has been set aside for those of the projects that will be accepted.

The goal of the program is to encourage labour market players to adopt good practices to combat psychological or sexual harassment and to prevent high-risk situations in the workplace. There are two regional and national components to the program; one for employers’ associations and one for workers’ associations, and, since the program’s launch in 2018, there has been three consecutive calls for projects.

According to a press release, over the three years the program has been in operation, there has been a total of $6 million allocated to the Committee on Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) to support accepted projects.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the typical submission period has been extended by four weeks. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on all workplaces,” said Boulet. “It is more important than ever to implement actions to ensure that workplaces are free of all forms of psychological or sexual harassment.”

Due to the health crisis there have been significant changes in the organization of workplaces, particularly with the implementation of health measures and the adoption of telework. Projects that address issues concerning psychological or sexual harassment in telework situations are encouraged for this year’s submissions.

In order to submit a project or raise a complaint concerning workplace harassment; please visit https://www. cnesst.gouv.qc.ca.