Policy Development & Compliance

Developing or Reviewing Policies and Procedures

Organizations that wish to improve diversity and inclusion efforts to achieve equitable outcomes, will need to have or develop robust and well-crafted anti-discrimination policies and policies to prevent workplace violence and harassment including sexual harassment. They will also need policies to address fair recruitment, hiring, retention, sponsorship, and promotions.

Our consultants are highly-skilled policy advisors who use evidence-based research to develop new, or review existing, policies, procedures and practices to promote equity across systems.

Assisting Organizations to Comply with Legislation

Sometimes legislation is passed with the objective of removing barriers that limit people from fully participating in society. When compliance with legislation is mandatory, organizations must take any number of actions including:

  • Working with oversight agencies and their advisors

  • Reviewing existing policies, procedures and practices

  • Developing internal policies and procedures incorporating standards

  • Training staff in appropriate and prohibited behaviours

  • Dealing with the public in particular ways

  • Creating and implementing action plans

  • Preparing for onsite inspection

  • Reporting to government on progress meeting certain requirements

  • Following compliance orders

We have been there—implementing legislation, working with organizations to help them understand their obligations, improve their operations, and comply.

With advanced knowledge of human resource legislation and knowledge of human rights, immigrant integration, accessibility, occupational health and safety, and workplace violence and harassment investigations and accommodations, we can help organizations establish working conditions that promote fairness and inclusion. We can help you comply with the following:

  • Human rights legislation including the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code 

  • Fair-Access legislation to ensure transparent, objective, impartial and fair access to regulated professions, trades and health colleges under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act and corollary provisions in the Health Professions Procedural Code

  • Accessibility legislation including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

  • Legislation to prevent harassment and violence in provincial and federal workplaces under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill 168 amendments, and the Canada Labour Code and Bill 65 amendments

  • Employment equity legislation in federally regulated industries, Crown corporations, and some parts of the federal public service.