Jan 22, 2019, 08:00 ET

CALGARY – JANUARY 22, 2019/ – The Grand in Calgary Canada announced today that it will become the first arts organization in North America to become Respect Certified. The Grand has Joined the Movement with Respect Group, a forward-thinking organization founded by former NHLer turned victims’ rights crusader Sheldon Kennedy to deliver training to equip employees with the education and skills needed to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) in the workplace.

“Programs are one thing, making them a requirement for all members of the organization is about leadership and accountability,” said Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder of Respect Group. “Congratulations to the Grand for moving how we treat one another from the Policy category to the Priority category!”

“We at The GRAND are thrilled to be collaborating with Sheldon Kennedy and the Respect Group to help our theatre enhance its workplace culture, not only to eliminate unacceptable behaviours, but to create a positive and supportive environment that unlocks the diverse skills and ideas of our most valuable asset – our people.” – Tony McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, The Grand.

About The Grand

The Grand is situated on the land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Mohkinstsis, which is also referred to as the City of Calgary. We honour and acknowledge Mohkinstsis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations who also call this place home.  We also acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.

The Grand is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration: 134483981 RR0001). Since 2006, the theatre has been a centre for creation and presentation of contemporary performance from Calgary, Canada, and around the world. In 2019, we embark on a new chapter with a new vision for the future.

About Respect Group Inc.

Respect Group (respectgroupinc.com) 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). 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).

For further information: media@respectgroupinc.com

The following is a joint announcement from Mayor Bob Wells and CAO David Allen:

Ensuring that we have a respectful workplace for all employees and elected officials is a priority for the City of Courtenay. We all deserve to feel safe, productive and respected while at work. In support of this priority, we are pleased to announce that the City of Courtenay is launching a new Respect in the Workplace training program. This new program builds on our existing Respectful Workplace Policy, and supports our efforts to provide a positive, healthy workplace for all City of Courtenay employees and elected officials.

For this initiative we have partnered with Respect Group Inc, a recognized leader in training in respectful conduct, bullying and harassment in the workplace, in sport and in education. Over one million Canadians have been RESPECT certified through one or more of these programs. The City of Courtenay is the first municipality in British Columbia to implement this specific program.

Our Respect in the Workplace training program consists of a 90 minute online program that will be followed up with an in-person workshop. Time will be provided during regular working hours to complete both portions of this program. All City employees and elected officials are required to complete this training program.

The Mayor, Councillors and the Senior Leadership Team will be completing the program in the coming weeks and an

organization wide roll-out will be coordinated with each department and take place over the coming months. We would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this valuable training.

Bob Wells                                                       David Allen

Mayor                                                              Chief Administrative Officer

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

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

Golf Canada Joins the Responsible Coaching Movement

Golf Canada is proud to announce it is working to combat and prevent abuse, bullying and harassment in golf by adopting Respect in Sport and Respect in the Workplace as part of its deepened commitment to the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM). “We are very proud to be joining other National Sport Federations in adopting and facilitating this important training among our golf community,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada. “Our commitment to integrating the Responsible Coaching Movement and Respect programming into the core areas of our organization will strengthen our efforts to build a culture of respect, and further instill a safe, fun and positive environment in golf.” MORE

Respect Group Receives Business Leaders Award

Any successful business depends on its loyal clients. At Respect Group, ours are special. They believe, strongly, in creating respectful sport, school and workplace environments. That has taken leadership and conviction. Thank you, to each and every one of our incredible partners who have trusted us throughout the last 13 years. MORE

WSPS Teaming Up to Inspire Cultures of Respect Everywhere

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