As a cultural reckoning with sexual harassment sweeps across North America, Canada’s labour minister has declared a crisis in her own workplace. “This is an environment that actually sets up a culture that allows and perpetuates this behaviour,” Patty Hajdu said at a Monday press conference marking the beginning of debate on the government’s bill to crack down on workplace harassment. If it becomes law, Bill C-65 will extend the labour code’s coverage to Parliament Hill staffers, giving them the same protections as other federally regulated employees. Hajdu said the dynamic on Parliament Hill is ripe for this kind abuse, with older, powerful men socializing with younger staffers who are precariously employed. Employees on Parliament Hill can go directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer and party whips are free to hand over complaints to that office if they think it’s appropriate.

Source: National Post January 29, 2018 22:18 UTC