Harassment complaints against Members of the House of Assembly are now being handled under an interim anti-harassment policy, adapted from what’s covering the Newfoundland and Labrador public service.
As The Telegram reported, the House of Assembly Management Commission decided an interim policy was needed for the provincial legislature.
And on Friday, House of Assembly Speaker Perry Trimper issued a statement to say the interim policy is now in effect.
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The House has an existing process whereby members’ conduct can be challenged to the Commissioner for Legislative Standards, or be investigated independently by the commissioner. Commissioner Bruce Chaulk is already into more than one investigation, following complaints of harassment and bullying behaviour by select House members.
The public service anti-harassment policy launched June 1 was modified, to create what is now guiding the complaints and response process for MHAs, even while Chaulk’s work continues.
The Privileges and Elections Committee of the House of Assembly is also developing a definitive legislature-specific policy. When ready, their work will be brought back to the House for debate and vote, ultimately replacing the interim anti-harassment policy now in place.
