Policies

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Introduction to Policies

SING! Edmonton is committed to fostering and maintaining a workplace where all employees, volunteers, and contractors are free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, religion, age, class, disability, or sexual orientation.

SING! Edmonton respects and is bound by the terms of provincial and federal human rights legislation. Any employees, agents of the organization, or contractors found to be engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment or engagement.

Definitions

Discrimination in the Workplace

Differentiating adversely, directly or indirectly, in the course of employment or engagement, against an employee, volunteer, or contractor on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family status, or a record of offence for which a pardon has been granted.

Note: This does not include special programs designed to assist disadvantaged groups or eliminate discrimination.

Workplace Harassment

Any inappropriate conduct, comment, or series of behaviours by the employer, another employee, contractor, or agent of the employer (such as a freelancer), based on any of the grounds listed above, that is or ought to be known as unwelcome or objectionable, and likely to cause offence or humiliation.

Personal Harassment

Vexatious conduct or comments outside the scope of human rights legislation that are or ought to be known to be unwelcome. This includes:

  • Bullying and intimidation

  • Abuse of authority

  • Behaviour that demeans, threatens, or humiliates an individual

This does not apply to the proper exercise of management authority or accountability.

Poisoned Work Environment

An environment created by conduct or comments that ridicule or disparage a group—even if not directed at a specific individual.

Sexual Harassment

Sexually oriented comments or conduct (verbal or physical) that are or ought to be known as unwelcome, objectionable, or perceived as placing a sexual condition on employment, engagement, training, or promotion.
Sexual harassment is prohibited in our workplace and will result in discipline (up to and including termination).

Reporting Harassment and Discrimination Complaints

Any employee, volunteer, or contractor who believes they have experienced harassment or discrimination may seek assistance by reporting to the designated Harassment Officer or Chairperson.

A formal process is in place to investigate and address all claims. The investigator will speak to all parties and provide a report to the Board/Sub-Committee for review and appropriate action.

Safety, Security and Emergencies

Commitment to a Safe and Secure Workplace

SING! Edmonton is committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful workplace. Employees, volunteers, and contractors must not engage in violence.

Violence is defined as:

  • The threatened (express or implied), attempted, or actual use of physical force to cause injury to another person or damage property

  • Any behaviour or statement that gives reasonable cause to believe someone is at risk of harm

Examples of violent behaviour include:

  • Spitting or kicking

  • Oral or written threats or abuse

  • Physically aggressive behaviour (e.g. pushing, stalking, waving fists, bullying, coercion)

  • Demeaning or abusive comments that create a hostile environment

  • Threats to destroy or damage company or personal property (e.g. vandalism, sabotage)

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on SING! Edmonton property.

All employees, volunteers, and contractors must follow local safety and security guidelines.
To prevent escalation, any incidents of violence must be reported to management immediately.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

SING! Edmonton is dedicated to building an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We recognize that diversity in background, culture, identity, and perspective strengthens both our workplace and our artistic community.

Our Commitments:

  • Diversity: We actively seek participation from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences in our programming, leadership, and partnerships.

  • Equity: We strive to identify and remove barriers that prevent equitable participation and advancement within our workplace, volunteer programs, and artistic activities.

  • Inclusion: We foster an environment where differences are celebrated, and every voice is heard and respected.

Implementation:

  • Recruitment and engagement practices will be designed to reach a diverse pool of candidates, volunteers, and artists.

  • Training on DEI principles will be provided for staff, volunteers, and Board members.

  • Feedback channels will remain open to ensure concerns and suggestions related to DEI are heard and addressed.

  • Progress will be reviewed regularly to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

By embedding DEI into our practices, SING! Edmonton seeks to reflect the richness of our community and ensure that our festival is a safe and welcoming space for all.