All individuals have the right to a safe workplace with fair treatment for all. Sexual harassment impacts the health and well-being of those involved, as well as their ability to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Creating and maintaining workplaces where everyone - no matter their gender identity or expression - can be safe, respected and able to focus on their work is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, announced the Government of Canada's support to the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories for their project Public Education & Information on Workplace Sexual Harassment.
The "Public Education & Information on Workplace Sexual Harassment" project will address workplace sexual harassment across Northwest Territories by increasing awareness through education and information resources. This will be achieved by providing information to employers and employees on workplace sexual harassment, the legal obligations of an employer, rights of employees, and how to access relevant services.
The Department of Justice Canada is providing more than $1.56 million over five years to the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories. Funding is provided under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, which supports initiatives that work toward our goal of ensuring an accessible, efficient and fair system of justice for all.
Today's announcement is part of the Budget 2018's $50 million over five years of funding to address workplace sexual harassment. Of this amount, $25 million is dedicated to organizations so that they can increase their ability to provide legal advice and information to support complainants of sexual harassment in the workplace. Another $25 million is dedicated to organizations to enable them to provide public legal education and information to workers.
