Workplace Harassment, A Changing Legislative Landscape

There are legislative changes on the horizon that will affect Ontario workplaces as part of the Ontario government's "It's Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment."

Bill 132, Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment), 2016 received royal assent on March 8, 2016, and amends several acts in relation to sexual violence, sexual harassment and domestic violence, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Limitations Act, 2002, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005, the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act, and the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For most employers, the changes that must be reviewed and complied with are found in the OHSA.