All individuals have the right to a safe workplace. Sexual harassment impacts the health and well-being of those involved, as well as their capacity to do their best at their jobs. Creating and maintaining workplaces where everyone - no matter their gender identity or expression - can feel safe and respected is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, and Member of Parliament for York South-Weston, announced the Government of Canada's support to the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto for their project, Supporting Safe STEM Workplaces.
The Supporting Safe STEM Workplaces project is working to improve access to legal supports and resources for victims of sexual harassment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) industry workplaces across Canada. In response to the high rates of sexual harassment in STEM workplaces, project representatives are working directly with STEM industry partners to better understand how to respond to and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The project will provide tailored support and training to help workplaces prevent sexual harassment, develop comprehensive policies, establish trauma-informed methods of reporting and develop solutions to ensure safe workplace policy, practice and culture.
Justice Canada is providing $371,922 over three years (2021-2024) to the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto. Funding is provided under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, which supports initiatives that work towards ensuring an accessible, efficient and fair system of justice for all.
Today's announcement is part of Budget 2018's investment of $50 million over five years to address workplace sexual harassment. Of this amount, $25 million is supporting the provision of free legal information and advice to persons who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Another $25 million is supporting the development of public legal education and information resources for employees and employers.
