April 23, 2021

Calgary – AB – Respect Group, is pleased to announce a new partnership with WhistleBlower Security (WBS) to provide organizations with a collaborative approach to raising awareness around speaking up about ethical concerns while promoting respect throughout the workplace.

This strategic partnership between Respect Group and WBS will help arm organizations with the training and tools to help them identify and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and other forms of behaviour that harms employees and the organization, while promoting a culture of ethics and compliance.

“Respect Group is thrilled to collaborate with a Canadian company who also shares our “B Corp values and priorities,” said Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder of Respect Group. “This partnership will leverage our highly complimentary service offerings and will allow our clients to benefit from a comprehensive solution. Ultimately, this relationship will further our collective mission to create and maintain psychologically safe sport, school and workplace environments.”

“WhistleBlower Security is excited to partner with Respect Group and together offer a collaborative approach to help clients nurture and enhance their organizational cultures,” said Shannon Walker, President, WhistleBlower Security. “As a certified B-Corp we’re excited to partner with another Canadian B-Corp that is also passionate about creating safe, secure, and ethical workplaces where employees feel able to speak up with confidence.”

This partnership will allow Respect Goup and WBS to work together to help organizations create work environments where employees are motivated to work ethically and speak up when they see something wrong.

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About Respect Group

Respect Group was incorporated in 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Respect Group is made up of a team of over 30 talented individuals whose passion is to create a global culture of Respect. As Canada’s leading on-line provider of prevention education related to BAHD, Respect Group has certified over 1.6 Million Canadians involved in sport, schools and the workplace. Respect Group is a Certified B Corporation (bcorporation.net).

Contact Respect Group media@respectgroupinc.com

About WhistleBlower Security

WhistleBlower Security Inc. is a global provider of ethics reporting services, including a 24/7/365 Global Ethics Hotline and Case Management platform (IntegrityCounts), to provide organizations with an efficient and trustworthy ethics reporting process. Its intuitive and easy-to-use product and service offerings help employees, customers, and suppliers feel safe and secure when reporting ethics and compliance-related issues.

WhistleBlower Security Inc. is proud to be B-Corp certified, WBE Certified, and WEConnect International Certified.

Contact WhistleBlower Security info@whistleblowersecurity.com

15 years ago, ex-NHLer and internationally acclaimed child advocate, Sheldon Kennedy founded Respect Group. Since that time, he has been a source of courage, passion and inspiration for everyone on our team and thousands more across Canada in his relentless pursuit to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

For the past several weeks, Sheldon exchanged his hockey skates for figure skates, mastered the toe pick and competed in CBC’s Battle of the Blades with his skating partner, Kaitlyn Weaver, three-time World Ice Dance medalist.

Through their dance, they told us the story of pain, resilience, healing, hope and laughter. Together, they dazzled the viewers, impressed the judges and put their heart and soul into their performances in order to raise $100,000 for Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities; a charity dedicated to giving families in financial need and their children a chance to participate in organized sports.

Sheldon and Kaitlyn, thank you for reminding us that pushing beyond our comfort zones can bring about the change we wish to see!

We are excited to announce a partnership between Respect Group and The Workplace Fairness Institute. Respect Group, a forward-thinking organization founded by former NHLer turned victims’ rights crusader Sheldon Kennedy delivers web-based training to organizations to equip employees with the education and skills needed to address bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) in the workplace. Workplace Fairness provides services to Respect Group certified organizations to support them with the next steps of “Keeping Respect Alive”.

“We believe in Keeping Respect Alive and we know that our Respect in the Workplace on-line training is the first step in starting the conversation.  We have partnered with the Workplace Fairness Institute because keeping that workplace conversation going is greatly enhanced through the support of a third party.” says Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder of Respect Group. “We see this as an optimal collaboration to further support organizations.”

Respect Group’s highly interactive, foundational training establishes a baseline of knowledge for employees with regards to bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) and is having a significant impact in workplaces across the country.  Working from this baseline the Workplace Fairness Institute brings their suite of facilitation, coaching and mediation services to imbed respectful behaviours by building capacity to manage conflict, increase collaboration and effectively implement change.

“We support organizations to foster a healthy culture based on a core value of equity of concern and respect,” says Blaine Donais, President and Founder of the Workplace Fairness Institute. “We are thrilled to be supporting Sheldon and Respect Group to provide people and organizations with fair, effective and sustainable solutions for resolving and managing workplace conflicts. We hold the common belief that psychological health and safety is important for every employee. ”

By joining forces, Workplace Fairness and Respect Group can support organizations to identify BAHD behaviours, address issues underlying these behaviours and empower employees to speak out to ensure a psychologically safe workplace.

About Workplace Fairness

The Workplace Fairness Institute (www.workplacefairness.ca) and their partner, Workplace Fairness West (www.workplacefairnesswest.ca) focus on supporting organizations to create safe workplaces.  Working with their over 150 certified Fairness Analysts across Canada they support organizations to enhance and build strong conflict management systems that involve and engage employees.  Their conflict resolution professionals have solid expertise in areas of facilitation, coaching, mediation and providing Ombuds services.

About Respect Group Inc.

Respect Group (respectgroupinc.com) was incorporated in 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Respect Group is made up of a team of over 30 talented individuals whose passion is to create a global culture of Respect. As Canada’s leading on-line provider of prevention education related to BAHD, Respect Group has certified over 1.2 Million Canadians involved in sport, schools and the workplace. Respect Group is a Certified B Corporation (bcorporation.net).

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Respect Group is proud of the work Sheldon Kennedy has done for the community of Calgary and beyond. We fully support his decision to hand the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre back to the community.

Please read below for Sheldon’s statement.

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For Release December 11, 2018 at 12 PM MST

Sheldon Kennedy hands Child Advocacy Centre back to the Community

I write this with some sadness, a great sense of relief and, with no regrets. I have given it my all.

For the last 23 years I have made myself personally accessible and available to advocate and help those in need of telling their stories of abuse. I have spoken, one on one with thousands of victims, engaged in countless media interviews, keynote speeches, fundraisers, lobbied governments to change legislation and even in-line skated across Canada to raise awareness. It has been a daunting and all-consuming commitment.

From first introducing the idea of a Child Advocacy Centre to our Chief of Police in 2010, to opening the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre in 2012 and having it renamed the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre in 2013, I further stepped up that important work through my volunteer commitment to the SKCAC. I now understand that my name on the building really meant a personal responsibility for the day to day practice, the wellness of our front-line workers, the satisfaction of our donors and volunteers and the proper treatment of the victims we serve. This has been a very rewarding 8 years of my life and, at the same time, it has taken its toll.

For the past several months I have had ongoing and emotional conversations with my family and close friends. They have been a great support and, through this process, I have decided to remove my name from the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

I always preach to others that, first and foremost, they need to take care of their own mental health and find balance in their lives. I now need to take my own advice.

I need to refocus my efforts on my work at Respect Group, the company I co-founded, that educates those involved in sport, schools and the workplace on the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. We have trained over 1.2 million Canadians thus far but there is much more to be done including our involvement in the International Safe Sport movement. And, most importantly, I want to give my full attention and love to my family.  My daughter Ryan, who is now in University, my partner Jen and our five month old son, Lochlin.  I want to be present and enjoy being the best dad and partner I can possibly be.

I want to acknowledge all of the front line workers that have or continue to work at the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre.  You are my heroes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to each of the Agencies who took the risk of working together, you have demonstrated that integrated practice is possible and creates better outcomes for victims. You have also set the standard for your colleagues across the province working in the other regional Child Advocacy Centres.

I want to thank the media for your incredible support. You were always there to help tell my story and leverage the message to educate Canadians and offer solutions.  You have allowed us to change the conversation on these issues forever.

I want to thank every corporation, individual and event that gave so generously to the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.  You have all made a significant difference with your kind gifts. I know you will continue to support the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre.

To those who have served on the Board, the SKCAC core staff and volunteers, thank you for your passion and dedication.

To Prime Minister Stephen Harper, The Honourable Rona Ambrose and The Honourable Peter MacKay: thank you for understanding the importance of Child Advocacy Centres, the impact of early childhood trauma and for your leadership in creating the Victims Bill of Rights. I am honoured to have been able to work with each of you. Thank you for helping us elevate the conversation to a level not previously seen.

To the thousands of victims we have served: be proud that you have found your voice, stay strong and make healing your focus. You continue to inspire me.

To those victims who still may not have come forward: you will always have a safe place to go and be heard at the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre.

Today, I am healthy and excited about my next chapter. I will continue the crusade, but with greater balance. I am also comforted to know that the Calgary Child Advocacy Centre and our community are ready to carry the torch. It has become clear that I will not be able to achieve the critical balance I need in my life without taking my name off the Centre. Furthermore, our community will never fully own the issues with my name still on it. The time has come and the future is bright.

Sincerely,

Sheldon Kennedy, CM, AOE, OM

Sheldon Kennedy will not be making any further comments.

For any inquiries please contact Sheldon.info@respectgroupinc.com

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Respect Group was incorporated on April 5th, 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Offering certification programs for Community/Sport Organizations (Respect in Sport), Schools and the Workplace, Respect Group has certified over 1,200,000 Canadians.

We welcome and encourage organizations to view our programs at: www.respectgroupinc.com

University of Regina Press Release:

“I believe that universities – and OUR University in particular – should not simply reflect the society in which we live. Rather, universities should be a reflection of the society in which we WANT to live – a society that is free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and incivility.
As an educational institution devoted to sharing knowledge and serving the public, we have a responsibility – and a tremendous opportunity – to be leaders in our community.

That is a commitment we have made collectively through our strategic plan, peyak aski kikawinaw, and it is a commitment that begins with each of us as individuals.
All of us want to live, work, study and socialize in the healthiest, safest and most supportive environment possible, and the UR Respect program is an important means of fostering such an environment on our campus.

By participating in the program, all of us are building on the tradition of respect and concern for others that has helped define the University of Regina for the past four decades.
Perhaps more importantly, however, our participation is a commitment to the future – a future in which all faculty members, staff, students, and visitors to our University feel as if they are welcomed, respected, and valued for who they are.

That commitment goes far beyond the borders of our University, and deep into the society in which we live – and indeed WANT to live.

I firmly believe that the values of respect, civility, compassion and understanding that we demonstrate, promote and uphold at the University of Regina will always find their counterparts in the world around us.

By educating ourselves and holding true to these values in all aspects of our lives, we can set a powerful example for others and make a positive impact in our communities.

On behalf of the University of Regina and the communities we serve, thank you for participating in the UR Respect program.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Vianne Timmons
President and Vice-Chancellor

Swimming Canada, every single provincial swimming organization, and the Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (CSCTA) are partnering to sign on to the Responsible Coaching Movement.

“There is no place for abuse, harassment or discrimination in our sport,” said Swimming Canada CEO Ahmed El-Awadi. “With our key partners, we are committing to strengthen the processes we already have in place to ensure our athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers are able to participate in safe, inclusive and respectful training and competitive environments. We are committed to these values through our Safe Sport initiatives, and I’m proud that our partners are stepping up to demonstrate their commitment as well.”

The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a multi-phase system-wide movement, coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. A result of extensive ongoing consultation with the Canadian sport community, the RCM is a call to action for organizations to implement realistic change to address the role coaches play with issues relating to the health and safety of athletes, both on and off the field of play.

Swimming Canada will be implementing the Respect in Sport Activity Leader Program and Respect in Sport Parent bullying abuse and harassment training prevention program to prevent and eliminate bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination in sport. 

Respect Group is proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan and commends them on being the first government in Canada to take the proactive measure of training all employees as a commitment to creating and maintaining safe, healthy work environments.

The Government of Saskatchewan – October 1st, 2018

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing all employees with Respect in the Workplace training to support healthy and inclusive workplaces for government employees.

“We are proud to be the first government in Canada to offer this comprehensive training program to all employees,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said on behalf of Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission Ken Cheveldayoff.  “This is part of a commitment to safe, healthy workplaces and improving service to our clients and citizens, by providing our employees with training on important topics.”

Government is partnering with Respect Group Inc. to deliver the 90-minute online training course.  Training will be available to employees for the next four years and includes modules about: bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, mental health, managing emotions, transgender awareness, social media, recognizing and responding to incidents, and signs and symptoms of workplace issues.

“I know that proactive education is the only way to empower the bystander and polish the good apples,” Respect Group Co-Founder Sheldon Kennedy said.  “This is what Respect in the Workplace is all about.  I am so proud of my friends in the Saskatchewan government for their leadership and making this commitment to all of their employees.”

The Respect in the Workplace training is a part of government’s inclusion and healthy workplaces strategies.

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For more information, contact:

Eilidh Thain
Public Service Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7153
Email: eilidh.thain@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5040

June 19, 2018
For Immediate Release

Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced stronger measures to eliminate harassment in the Canadian sport system.

“All Canadians deserve to participate and compete in a sport environment, free from harassment, abuse or discrimination, regardless of gender, race, religion, language, age and ability. The Government of Canada recognizes the presence of harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport and is committed to stopping further instances.”

New provisions in funding agreements will support eligible sport organizations in fostering healthy and safe workplace environments.

Effective immediately:

• Federally funded sport organizations must take all necessary measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse or discrimination of any kind.
• They must immediately disclose any incident of harassment, abuse or discrimination that could compromise the project or programming to the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
• They must make provisions—within their governance framework—for access to an independent third party to address harassment and abuse cases.
• They must provide mandatory training on harassment and abuse to their members by April 1, 2020 and are challenged to make this a priority and put mandatory training in place as soon as possible.

“Harassment of any kind is completely unacceptable, and the safety and security of athletes, coaches and officials is always our top priority. We all must play a role in protecting our young people and our athletes: to speak up when we see something that doesn’t seem quite right and to listen—really listen—to our athletes. And most importantly, to act when the situation demands it to ensure our athletes always have the support they need from us.”

—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

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Respect Group was incorporated on April 5th, 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Offering certification programs for Community/Sport Organizations (Respect in Sport), Schools and the Workplace, Respect Group has certified over 1,000,000 Canadians.

We welcome and encourage sport organizations to view our programs at: www.respectinsport.com

For more information please email: info@respectgroupinc.com

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Voir plus bas pour la version en français

June 6, 2018

Respect Group commends the bravery of the former members of the National Ski Team, Amélie-Frédérique Gagnon, Gail Kelly, Anna Prchal and Geneviève Simard and the many other women who have come forward to disclose their stories and share their collective goal in calling for safer sport. They represent a multitude of past victims and their voices have already inspired other courageous individuals to come forward.

Respect Group also applauds the leadership of B2Ten, the Coaching Association of Canada, the Sport Dispute and Resolution Centre of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for bringing this critical topic to the forefront and advocating for sport that is free from maltreatment. These recommendations include;

• Mandatory online training as to rights, responsibilities, obligations and awareness for athletes, coaches, professional service providers and management;
• Development, adoption and adherence of Policies and Procedures to prevent all forms of maltreatment;
• An independent avenue for parties to raise concerns when issues arise;
• The rule of two; insuring, within reason, that young athletes are not left on their own with a coach, staff or other personnel for an extended duration.

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Respect Group was incorporated on April 5th, 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Offering certification programs for Community/Sport Organizations (Respect in Sport), Schools and the Workplace, Respect Group has certified over 1,000,000 Canadians.

RESPECT GROUP EN APPELLE À UNE PLUS GRANDE IMPUTABILITÉ POUR GARDER LE SPORT CANADIEN À L’ABRI DE LA MALTRAITANCÉ

6 juin 2018

Respect Group salue la bravoure des anciens membres de l’équipe nationale de ski, Amélie-Frédérique Gagnon, Gail Kelly, Anna Prchal et Geneviève Simard et les nombreuses autres femmes qui ont dévoilé leur histoire et partagé leur objectif commun en réclamant une sécurité accrue en sport. Elles  représentent une multitude de victimes passées, et leurs voix ont déjà inspiré d’autres personnes courageuses à se manifester.

Respect Group applaudit également le leadership de B2dix, l’Association canadienne des entraîneurs, le Centre de règlement des différends sportifs du Canada et le Centre canadien de protection de l’enfance pour avoir porté ce sujet critique au premier plan et exigé un sport exempt de  maltraitance. Ces recommandations comprennent :

• Une formation en ligne obligatoire sur les droits, les responsabilités, les obligations et la sensibilisation des athlètes, des entraîneurs, des fournisseurs de services professionnels et de la direction;
• L’élaboration, l’adoption et l’adhésion aux politiques et procédures visant à prévenir toutes les formes de maltraitance;
• Un canal indépendant offert à toutes les parties pour partager les préoccupations lorsque des problèmes surviennent;
• La règle de deux : s’assurer, dans la mesure du possible, que les jeunes athlètes ne soient pas seuls avec un entraîneur ou tout membre du personnel pendant une période prolongée.

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Respect Group a été constitué le 5 avril 2004 par les cofondateurs Sheldon Kennedy et Wayne McNeil pour poursuivre une passion commune: la prévention de l’intimidation, de l’abus, du harcèlement et de la discrimination. Offrant des programmes de certification pour les organismes communautaires / sportifs (Respect et sport), les écoles et le milieu de travail, Respect Group a certifié plus de 1,000,000 de Canadiens.

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