Harassment scandal sparks proposed changes in N.L. legislature
By The Canadian Press
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A year after a harassment and bullying scandal rocked the province’s Liberal government, a new workplace policy was tabled Monday in the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature.
A legislature committee drafted the blueprint after consultations found concerns over gender-based harassment and power imbalances between elected members.
It establishes a clearer process for legislative employees bringing harassment complaints against elected members.
The proposed policy would guarantee complainants’ anonymity, and require elected members to take respectful workplace training each year.
Former Liberals Eddie Joyce and Dale Kirby were removed from cabinet and caucus last April after harassment allegations surfaced against them, but critics called probes into their actions haphazard.
Complainants were identified against their will and one investigative report into harassment allegations was leaked publicly before being presented to government.
Copyright (c) 2019 The Canadian Press
