Commission Unveils Champions for the Workplace

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Commission Unveils Champions for the Workplace

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is challenging business leaders to become champions for human rights in their workplaces.

Almost 50 hospitality industry executives gathered today, Jan. 14, at Halifax's World Trade and Convention Centre to learn how respect for diversity and for human rights can improve their corporate bottom lines and promote healthy workplaces for employees.

"Ensuring that workplaces are indeed healthy environments for employees is in keeping with our government's goal of making Nova Scotia the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family," said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.

Mayann Francis, CEO of the commission, told the business leaders that the session is part of a new "Champions for the Workplace" theme. She said the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is asking members of the business community to promote respect for human rights and diversity in their workplaces as part of an effort to create a healthy working environment for their employees.

"Increased awareness and dialogue among Nova Scotians is important if a commitment to human rights is to be shared by every citizen of our province," she said. "This morning is a first for the commission. It is the first time we have held a breakfast meeting targeting the business community."

Marguerite Cassin, of Dalhousie University's School of Business, said there is a direct connection between a business's ability to create a healthy workplace and its success. "It's about relationships and how well you understand the needs of employees to be valued and feel safe in their places of work."

Service industries like the hospitality sector provide 78 per cent of the jobs created in Nova Scotia, said Dr. Cassin. "That means the health of your workplaces is of major pubic interest. It not only matters to you, it matters to all Nova Scotians."

Fred MacGillivray, president and CEO of Trade Centre Limited, was named the N.S. Human Rights Commission's first champion for the workplace.

"I'm here today to share with you our experiences at Trade Centre Limited in creating a healthy workplace," said Mr. MacGillivray.

He told the audience that respect for human rights must be part of the regular business planning process. "When I arrived at Trade Centre Limited, for example, I set about making human resources an integral part of the planning and decision-making process by including them on the executive team," Mr. MacGillivray said.

"Today's successful organizations openly embrace and accommodate employee differences and human rights to ensure continued success," Mr. MacGillivray told participants.

The commission is looking for more human rights champions in provincial workplaces. Champions will be asked to host a breakfast meeting for industry colleagues to encourage dialogue and discussion about the role of human rights in creating healthy workplaces.

"We want to discuss mutual ways that we can stimulate the economy of Nova Scotia through healthy workplaces, co-operation, respect and innovation," Ms. Francis told the audience today. "I hope one of you will take the challenge to be our next champion."

As part of its mandate, the commission delivers public education and training programs to help businesses and community groups with policy development and recruitment practices that open up employment opportunities for all Nova Scotians, particularly groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged.