May 29, 2018
Government Invites Former Staff to Participate in Harassment Review
The provincial government is expanding its review of provincial government policies and processes related to harassment, including sexual harassment, to include input from past civil servants, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
As part of introducing its No Wrong Door policy of dealing with workplace harassment complaints in February, Pallister and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, minister responsible for the Civil Service Commission, committed to engage an external expert to review policies and processes related to such complaints in the Manitoba government.
Since that announcement, MLT Aikins was engaged as the external expert to lead the review and provide recommendations for improvement.
“We believe this unique opportunity for former Manitoba government employees to provide insights and ideas will help MLT Aikins make the best recommendations for us,” said Pallister.
The MLT Aikins review has launched consultations with current employees at all levels of the organization to gain a deeper understanding of concerns related to harassment. This work is complementary to current employee consultations taking place that specifically focus on sexual harassment.
As part of the MLT Aikins consultation, the Manitoba government is now inviting former Manitoba public servants and political staff to participate. The intent of consultations is to gain input on policies, practices and other tools that prevent and address harassment in Manitoba government workplaces.
The goal is to strengthen the Manitoba government policy framework, and improve resources and processes related to harassment in the workplace.
Former Manitoba government employees are welcome to provide written submissions to MLT Aikins. Information will be asked in order to verify status as a former employee. The information provided will be kept confidential.
Former Manitoba government employees who would like to participate can download a form at www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/formeremployeesurvey/former_employee_survey.pdf and and submit it to MLT Aikins. All submissions must be received by June 15.
“The results of this review will help us identify the right steps to take to fully implement our No Wrong Door approach, and will support Manitoba in being the nation’s leader in policies and practices that prevent and address workplace harassment,” said Pallister.
MLT Aikins is expected to submit their final report to Manitoba in summer 2018, the premier noted.
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