SUMA, SARM Launch Harassment Prevention Policy Template for Municipalities

All employers have a moral and legislative obligation to provide a harassment free workplace. The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) are launching a harassment prevention policy template to help municipalities respond to harassment in the workplace.

 “The template is a tool for municipalities to ensure harassment is dealt with appropriately and promptly, advancing safe and harassment free workplaces in our communities,” said SUMA President Gordon Barnhart.

To encourage individuals concerned about harassment to come forward, the template refers to “written reports” and “individual who alleges harassment” instead of “filing a complaint” or “complainant.” The template also provides clear examples on what is and is not acceptable in the workplace.

“The goal is for employees and employers to have a workplace harassment prevention policy and understand the implications of their conduct,” explained SARM President Ray Orb. “The policy also applies to members of the public, visitors, and individuals conducting business with our municipalities.” 

As there is no one size fits all approach for dealing with harassment in the workplace, the harassment prevention policy template was designed to be flexible for use in municipalities of all sizes. Municipalities are encouraged to revise the policy to fit their specific needs, and if necessary, consult a legal professional for specific advice.  

Municipalities can access the template at suma.org and sarm.ca.

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association is the voice of Saskatchewan’s hometowns, representing the interests of Saskatchewan cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities to other orders of government.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is the independent association that represents rural municipal governments in Saskatchewan and is the principle advocate in representing them before senior governments. 

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