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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public workshops

The Human Rights in the Workplace online public workshop is intended for anyon​e wanting basic human rights information. It provides participants with:
  • An overview of Alberta's human rights legislation
  • Information about the duty to accommodate
  • An understanding of harassment in the workplace
  • Strategies for preventing harassment in the workplace.
Workshop content is delivered over two, half-day online sessions. This virtual workshop is interactive and attendees will be required to participate in group discussions. To fully engage, a desktop or laptop is needed. Register early, as space is limited.
Icon showing 7 hours can be earned by CPHR members for workshop attendance
Members of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR Alberta) earn 7 Continuing Professional Hours.

Schedule​
Please visit this site later this spring when we will post details for the next workshop in fall 2023.​
​The workshop content
The Human Rights in the Workplace workshop content is drawn from the following six modules. The modules cover high-priority issues involving human rights in the workplace as identified by Alberta employers.
The work environment affects the way individuals relate to each other, and those relationships in turn affect productivity and results. Employees perform better when they are treated with respect and feel included.
In this module, participants will learn:
  • what is a respectful workplace,
  • the benefits of a respectful and inclusive workplace,
  • the rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and unions as they relate to human rights in the workplace, and
  • strategies for creating a positive work environment.
Module two: Human rights legislation in the workplace
Across Canada, there are human rights laws that protect the rights of citizens in certain areas, such as employment, and on specific grounds.
 This module will:
Module three: Discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Preventing discrimination and harassment is one of the main goals of human rights legislation. Employers are responsible for actively discouraging and prohibiting discriminatory conduct such as sexual harassment, racial slurs, and discriminatory language which is demeaning on the basis of grounds that are protected in Alberta's legislation.
This module will help participants understand:
  • the types of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment,
  • what is a poisoned work environment,
  • the consequences of harassment and discrimination in the workplace,
  • the employer's responsibility in preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace,
  • the liability of employers, and
  • how appropriate policies, practices, and processes can create a work environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Module four: The duty to accommodate
The workplace is increasingly diverse. Employers are required to make a serious effort to find ways to meet the needs of employees as they relate to the grounds protected under Alberta's human rights legislation. Employers' rights and responsibilities are increasingly complex and evolve as the courts continue to make precedent-setting decisions that affect the duty to accommodate.
In this module, participants will learn about:
  • the duty to accommodate under the grounds in the Alberta Human Rights Act,
  • the three-part Meiorin Test to determine bona fide occupational requirements,
  • how to respond to requests for accommodation from employees,
  • the meaning of undue hardship, and
  • the employer's obligation in the duty to accommodate.
Module five: Human rights and the employment process
A large number of human rights complaints have to do with recruitment, hiring, and evaluation of employee performance. Developing effective and non-discriminatory human resource processes is important for creating a respectful work environment. It also ensures that all employees are treated fairly and equitably.
This module will help participants:
  • develop non-discriminatory job descriptions, hiring practices and interviews, and policies and processes related to employees' performance,
  • develop non-discriminatory policies and processes in areas such as drug and alcohol testing, and
  • understand how the Alberta Human Rights Act protects employees and job applicants, and how manages and supervisors can make non-discriminatory decisions that are based on job-related criteria.
Employers and employees can benefit from knowing how to respond appropriately to resolve internal human rights complaints, as well as being familiar with the complaint process under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
In this module, participants will learn about:
  • the Commission's human rights complaint process,
  • the criteria the Commission uses for accepting complaints,
  • the rights and responsibilities of the respondent,
  • the human rights tribunal (administrative tribunal) process, and
  • the remedies that may be recommended or ordered.
 
Revised: March 9, 2023

Our vision is a vibrant and inclusive Alberta where the rich diversity of people is celebrated and respected, and where everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society, free from discrimination.