Harassment Policy Goes Beyond Physical Contact - Member's Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, our harassment policy has been in place for less than three years but that doesn't excuse ignorance of it. What I heard from the Premier yesterday indicates to me he hasn't read it in full or has forgotten some of the definitions. Our policy defines harassment as any behaviour, act, conduct, or comment, whether occurring on a one-time or a recurring basis. Behaviour, act, conduct, comment.

Mr. Speaker, when pleading ignorance to allegations made about one of his ministers, the Premier said that at no time had anyone raised with him the issue of a member of his caucus physically touching any member of the Opposition.

This diminishment of the complainants' experiences speaks largely not just to the Premier's approach but to the philosophy. He claims, despite reports to the contrary, that he wasn't made aware of any of his members physically touching others. Does that mean he was aware of other allegations, Mr. Speaker? Perhaps aggressive behaviour, profane comments?

Our harassment policy goes well beyond physical confrontation and yet based on these comments, it seems the Premier thinks that all behaviour by his members - short of physical contact - is justified, defensible, and acceptable.

Mr. Speaker, the policy states clearly, as do we on this side of the House, it is not.