The Government of Canada, through the Department of Justice Canada, will provide $1.5 million in federal funding to help British Columbians address workplace sexual harassment. The Sexual Harassment Advice, Response and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project is being delivered by the Community Legal Assistance Society. The program will provide free legal advice and resources to workers across British Columbia, including those in rural and remote areas.

The Community Legal Assistance Society will use the funding to provide up to five hours of free legal advice in person, by phone, or via video conference to British Columbians experiencing workplace sexual harassment. It will also offer referrals to other services such as counselling, housing, and employment support. In addition to direct legal services, the Community Legal Assistance Society will conduct outreach activities, develop legal resource materials and public legal education resources, and train lawyers and staff to deliver trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services. These efforts aim to increase awareness of legal rights and responsibilities in the workplace, particularly among vulnerable workers in male-dominated trades.

For further information about the Sexual Harassment Advice, Response and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project, click here.