The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) is committed to ensuring its workers and contractors work in an environment free from harassment and violence in any form. Examples of harassment and violence include behaviours that a reasonable person would consider to be inappropriate that include but are not limited to:
- Personal insults
- Frequency and volume of communication that unreasonably interferes with the work of the office or a member of the office
- Use of profanity or threatening or abusive language
- Discrimination
- Bullying
- Sexual harassment
- Violence or threats of violence
Principles
Fundamental principles in support of this commitment include the following:
- Everyone – OIPC staff and the public – has a role in ensuring a respectful work site.
- Harassment and violence (and threats thereof) are work site hazards.
- No one shall subject any other person to work site harassment or violence or allow or create situations that allow work site harassment or violence to occur.
What You Can Expect from the OIPC
- We will ensure that all persons are treated with courtesy and respect and that all matters are dealt with professionally, fairly, and impartially.
- We will establish necessary processes and procedures to manage our obligations to the public.
- We will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour, harassment or violence in any form. We will take action to manage conduct that negatively or unreasonably affects the organization.
What We Expect of You
- Follow processes and procedures established by the OIPC.
- Treat OIPC workers or contractors with courtesy and respect.
- Be honest in all communications with the OIPC.
- Cooperate with OIPC workers and contractors.
- Provide only information that pertains to issues that the OIPC can address and provide only the information requested.
Inappropriate Behaviour, Harassment, or Violence
The OIPC will protect its workers and contractors. In the event of inappropriate behaviour, harassment or violence, the steps taken will depend on the nature and severity of the behaviour exhibited and may include:
- Limiting the nature and frequency of communication with the OIPC (for example, in writing only).
- The Commissioner taking appropriate measures to minimize the impact of the behaviour on the OIPC’s people and processes.
- Consulting law enforcement, in the case of a serious threat.
August 2022