Blog Post #1664 – Quebec Offering Free Legal Counsel to Victims of Workplace Harassment and Sexual Violence

Report from City News in Montreal (Posted June 14, 2024)

The Quebec government will provide $2.4 million over four years to the Juripop Legal Clinic, to help employees who have suffered psychological harassment or sexual violence at work.

Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet made the announcement at a press conference in Montreal on Friday.

Juripop will provide legal assistance and support by offering free services to those who process or make claims for an employment injury resulting from sexual violence.

The money will be spread over four years with an annual amount of $600,000 until 2028.

These funds will allow the legal clinic “to lend a hand” to approximately 300 victims per year, noted Boulet.

“The services are free. And this will apply to people who will present a complaint of sexual harassment under the Act respecting labor standards or a claim to obtain compensation from the CNESST alleging that it is a work accident,” explained the minister. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the confidence we place in the expertise of the Juripop Legal Clinic with regard to supporting victims and access to justice.”

This announcement followed the adoption of Bill 42, the Act to Prevent and Fight Psychological Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace, on March 27 to better protect employees.

This financial assistance comes after recommendations from a committee of three renowned professors who emphasized to the government that the “complainants did not benefit from sufficiently personalized support to be adequately represented in the context of the appeals exercised.”

“Juripop is honoured to be able to set up this service which will offer free legal advice to people who file complaints of sexual harassment at work,” said Juripop General Director Sophie Gagnon. “This measure will play an essential role in improving access to justice for victims, in addition to benefiting all parties concerned by strengthening procedural fairness in the handling of complaints of sexual harassment.”

My opinion

The workplace violence and harassment legislation, at least in Ontario, has been around since 2010. The strength and integrity of the legislation has been challenged many times and changes have been made. The provincial support is there.

I enjoy knowing that Quebec is taking a lead and ensuring that victims of workplace harassment and violence, in any form, can come forth and expect provincial protection under the law.

I really it necessary to forward this report on since it is a workplace leader in violence and/or harassment.

By the way, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), section 50, protects workers that do report. It states,

No discipline, dismissal, etc., by employer

 50 (1) “No employer or person acting on behalf of an employer shall,

(a)  dismiss or threaten to dismiss a worker;

(b)  discipline or suspend or threaten to discipline or suspend a worker;

(c)  impose any penalty upon a worker; or

(d)  intimidate or coerce a worker,

because the worker has acted in compliance with this Act or the regulations or an order made thereunder, has sought the enforcement of this Act or the regulations or has given evidence in a proceeding in respect of the enforcement of this Act or the regulations or in an inquest under the Coroners Act.”

Well done, Quebec!

P.S. I have stated before that, during my investigations over the past 15 years, the province of Quebec seems to be the toughest province when dealing with accident and incidents in the workplace.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.