Roles and Responsibilities of Committees/Representatives in Workplace Violence Prevention

Important Notice !

Bill C-65, an Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and protect employees from harassment and violence in federal workplaces, came into force on January 1, 2021.

The content on this page may not reflect the most up to date information during the transition to the new regulatory framework.

For the latest information, employees and managers are encouraged to contact the Harassment and Violence Centre of Expertise (HVCE).

Policy Health and Safety Committee

In addition to fulfilling the roles set out in section 4-6.7 of the Departmental Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (PDF, 646 KB), the Policy Health and Safety Committee (PHSC):

  • Participates in the development, application and monitoring of procedures and tools related to workplace violence prevention at the national level;
  • Participates in consultations with other stakeholders, such as Security, Labour Relations, and Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP), in the development of such procedures and tools; and
  • Participates in the development of a methodology for selecting competent persons to carry out workplace violence investigations pursuant to subsection 20.9(1) of Part XX (Violence Prevention in the Work Place)of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR).

The methodology for selecting competent persons to carry out workplace violence investigations must take into account the fact that a competent person may be internal to ESDC, such as a qualified ESDC employee, or an external service provider.

Regional Health and Safety Advisory Committees

In addition to fulfilling the roles set out in section 4-6.6 of the Departmental Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (PDF, 646 KB), Regional Health and Safety Advisory Committees (Regional Advisory Committees) have an implementation and monitoring role at the regional level.

In their respective regions, Regional Advisory Committees:

  • Participate in the regional implementation of the Policy and tools;
  • Monitor the number, location and nature of workplace violence incidents to identify developing regional trends and recommend preventive measures to senior management;
  • Identify factors or elements that contribute to workplace violence at the regional level; and
  • Make recommendations to the PHSC.

Workplace Health and Safety Committees/Representatives

In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities set out in section 4-6.5 of the Departmental Workplace Violence Prevention Policy (PDF, 646 KB), Workplace Health and Safety Committees (WHSCs) or Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs):

  • Participate in the local implementation of the Policy and tools;
  • Through the WHSC co-chairs, assist the delegated manager in the selection of a competent person, if warranted;
  • Review reports relating to workplace violence in order to help develop and implement preventive measures. Reports must be redacted by ATIP, pursuant to paragraph 20.9(5)(b) of the COHSR; and
  • Make recommendations to the appropriate Regional Advisory Committee if there is a potential for a regional impact.

During an investigation of workplace violence, the WHSC or HSR may provide the parties with information and guidance on procedures and tools.

The employer must not disclose information whose disclosure is prohibited by law, could reasonably be expected to threaten the safety of individuals, or would reveal the identity of persons involved without their consent, in accordance with subsections 20.5(2), 20.9(3) and 20.9(5) of the COHSR.