Survey highlights workplace misconduct on Parliament Hill

By Rachel Jaskula

Bullying and exploitation of people who work on Parliament Hill are often overlooked, according to responses to a recent Canadian Press survey.

The questionnaire administered by the CP was filled out by those who work in the offices of MPs, senators and cabinet ministers.

The survey was described as unscientific, so the results cannot lead to broad conclusions about the problems. However, the 266 responses broadly indicated the challenges male and female workers encounter while working for federal legislators.

Sixteen out of the 75 people who answered an additional question intended for feedback or comments at the end of the survey said they had experienced bullying in the workplace, misuse of power, exploitation or other types of non-sexual harassment violations.

The recent #MeToo movement has brought to light the issue of sexual assault on the Hill, but the survey indicated that there are additional problems in regard to other forms of misconduct.

In January, three former staffers who worked for the Green Party accused party leader, Elizabeth May, of workplace bullying. She was accused of creating a negative work environment by yelling at workers and putting them down in front of other employees.

May has objected to being characterized as a bully. An investigation into the allegations was announced in February, but two of the accusers declined to participate, saying the probe lacked independence.

The CP survey was emailed by the Canadian Press to staffers who work in parliamentary offices of MPs and senators and was made available from Feb. 20 to Mar. 12.