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Alberta expands public sector anti-harassment training to agencies, boards

An online anti-harassment course delivered to all Alberta government employees is now being offered to all agencies, boards and commissions across the province.

The course provides knowledge and skills to encourage and reinforce positive and respectful work environments, supporting the commitment made by the government in 2019 to ensure respect in the workplace training for all members of the Alberta Public Service (APS), public agencies and the legislature, according to a news release.

“We have to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected in their workplace,” stated Premier Jason Kenney.

“Alberta has made this anti-harassment training mandatory for all public service employees and it’s now being made available to all provincial agencies, boards and commissions. We’re making it crystal clear that harassment of any kind is unacceptable in the public service.”

The 90-minute course is delivered through Respect Group Inc., based in Calgary. It provides employees with the knowledge and tools they need to help create healthy workplaces by keeping out bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

“Psychological safety is important for all employees, perhaps now more than ever,” said Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder, Respect Group. “I applaud our government leaders for making this training a priority and giving those who work on our behalf the tools they need to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.”

Making this training available to agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs) expands opportunities to ensure Alberta employees enjoy respectful workplaces, free of harassment. ABCs can contract with Respect Group Inc. to use the same program for their employees.

Quick facts

• About 26,000 Government of Alberta staff will be trained in phases, over two years.
• About 60 per cent of APS employees have already completed the course.
• So far, the vast majority of employees who took the course say it will help them be more respectful at work.
• The course is based on Canadian legislation that governs workplace bullying and harassment protocols. It also covers critical topics that are recommended in the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace Standard.
• All provincial school authorities – public, separate, francophone, charter and independent (private) – have access to the training, as well as First Nations education authorities in Alberta.
• ABCs can enter into an agreement with Respect Group Inc. to use the same training program as the government or they can develop their own in-house training that includes a focus on preventing bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.