Recent legislative changes across Canada are raising the bar for workplace harassment and violence prevention, calling for immediate action from employers.
Speaking at the OHS Law Masterclass, labor and employment lawyer Justine Abtosway highlighted key updates and their implications for safety professionals.
Key changes by province include:
- Quebec – Bill 42 requires employers to implement detailed psychological harassment prevention policies, addressing risks, confidentiality, and training. Employers in Quebec have an expanded obligation to stop harassment from any source, including clients and third parties.
- Saskatchewan – Bill 91 mandates workplace violence prevention policies and post-incident counseling. Employers must now identify risks, provide training, and document all incidents.
- Nova Scotia – Bill 464 broadens workplace safety to include psychological health. All employers must have harassment prevention policies by September 2025.
- Ontario – Bill 190 expands harassment definitions to include virtual interactions, like those occurring via email or social media.
Safety professionals are advised that they should act now to:
- Revise policies – ensure harassment policies include digital interactions and telework.
- Train employees – equip staff with tools to recognise and respond to harassment.
- Investigate diligently – employers have a duty to investigate incidents, even without formal complaints.
What you’ll get: