Most Commons harassment cases over past year were inquiries only: report

OTTAWA — A total of 35 cases of harassment were brought to the attention of the House of Commons human resources officer over the past year — the majority of which were inquiries only, according to a new report tabled in Parliament.

A total of 28 inquiries were made to the parliamentary chief human resources officer. Inquiries may involve a request for information on options available to possible victims under the Commons harassment prevention policy.

Three cases of harassment were formally investigated, two of which involved cases of sexual harassment while the other was classified as “mixed” in the report.

Only one of the investigated cases was deemed substantiated, one was ruled unsubstantiated and one was deemed partially substantiated.

No names or identifying information were included in the report.

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Allegations of harassment have been levelled against several current and former MPs over the last several months in the wake of the worldwide MeToo movement.

A new three-hour anti-harassment training class for MPs was launched in February, and as of March 31, 153 members of Parliament have taken part in the 12 classes that were offered. It is anticipated that all 338 MPs will take the class before the summer break.

The Commons human resources office is currently designing a similar session for MPs’ staff, which will be offered in the fall.

Meanwhile, the report says 687 MPs and staffers have completed an online anti-harassment training session, which has been in place for some time.

Also, personalized training sessions were offered to some MPs and a parliamentary research office, following requests for these services. These personalized sessions are to be expanded in 2018-19 in light of positive feedback received, the report states.

The House of Commons harassment policy applies to MPs as employers but does not cover situations between members. This is something a subcommittee looking at the sexual harassment code of conduct between MPs has recommended should be changed.

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Teresa Wright, The Canadian Press