Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Me Too—Again While many inroads have been made to address workplace sexual harassment, the fight is far from over Guide Magazine The Me Too movement originated on MySpace in 2006 when sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke first used the phrase me too to break the silence surrounding sexual assault and harassment and visibly demonstrate how many have survived it—especially in the workplace. The phrase evolved into a viral hashtag that marked a watershed moment in the advancement of gender equality and in demonstrating the extent of sexual assault and harassment across the globe. While many inroads have been made to address this endemic problem, the fight is far from over. Statistics Canada’s 2020 report paints a grim picture of sexual harassment and assault in workplaces across the country. DEFINITIONS Sexualized Behaviours Inappropriate verbal or nonverbal communication, sexually explicit materials, unwanted physical contact, suggested sexual relations Sexual Harassment Discriminatory comments, jokes, threats, and remarks Sexual Assault Unwanted sexual activity, including touching and attacks SEXUALIZED BEHAVIOURS AT WORK Experienced by 25% women; 17% men Worst Workplaces for Sexualized Behaviour Percentage of women who report experiencing inappropriate sexualized behaviour 47% – trades and transportation 32% – sales and service 30% – healthcare WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION Experienced by 10% women; 4% men Most Likely to Experience Gender-Based Workplace Discrimination • Women • Youth • Workers with disabilities • LGBTQIA+ workers • Indigenous women SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT Prevalence in the Workplace 52% of Canadian women say they have been subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace in their lifetime. 28% of Canadian women say they have experienced nonconsensual touching in the workplace in their lifetime. 89% of Canadian women say they have taken steps to avoid unwanted sexual advances at work. Have Not Received Information on How to Report Sexual Harassment or Assault 32% Women; 25% Men WHAT CAN YOU DO? CLAC is committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces. If you are a member and have experienced sexual harassment or assault at work, have witnessed it, or have been accused of it, please talk to your representative. You can find their contact information in myCLAC.ca, or call your local member centre. If you are suffering from trauma due to past experiences and are a member of a benefits plan, visit the My Benefits page in myCLAC.ca to access the employee and family assistance program (EFAP). It includes access to counselling and other resources that you may find beneficial. Sources: Statistics Canada, canadianwomen.org, angusreid.org You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026