Harassment PRevention Policy

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Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Environment

The Canadian Transport Lawyer’s Association (“CTLA”) is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all members and event attendees. We believe that everyone has the fundamental right to professional interactions that are free from fear, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination, and to be treated with dignity, respect, fair and equal treatment.

Our strength as an association lies in our diverse membership, and we deeply value each individual. Discriminatory, inappropriate, or harmful behavior in any association-related setting is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Harassment-Free Experience

CTLA is dedicated to ensuring that all members and participants experience a harassment-free environment, both within the organization and during events, including conferences. Harassment in any form is strictly prohibited, whether direct or indirect, obvious or subtle, repetitive or a one-time incident, physical or psychological, trough spoken words, text, gestures and images, and includes any behavior that undermines a person's dignity, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, sex, disability, physical appearance, health conditions, body size, genetic characteristics, ethnic or national origin, color, nationality, immigration status, race,  social and economic condition, age, marital status, political or other opinions, religion, language, or any other characteristic  inherent to a person’s dignity; presentation of sexual images for inappropriate purposes in public spaces; deliberate acts of intimidation, stalking, following and harassing photography or recording; inappropriate and unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive gestures, or verbal or written comments, related to any of the protected characteristics listed above.
• Display of sexual images in public spaces for inappropriate purposes.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, or unwanted photography/recording.
• Messages with sexual content sent by electronic means.
• Inappropriate physical contact or invasion of privacy.
• Unwelcome sexual attention or sexual innuendo.
• Deliberate misgendering or use of inappropriate pronouns.
• Use of slurs, derogatory jokes, or hate speech.

CTLA does not tolerate harassment of any kind at our events. Inappropriate sexual language or imagery (unless relevant to a legal presentation) is not permitted at conferences, whether in person, online, in committee meetings, or at social/networking events. Participants are expected to comply with this policy at all event venues and related activities. Anyone asked to stop harassing behavior must comply immediately.

Alcohol consumption or the use of intoxicating substances does not excuse harassment.

Consequences of Violations

Participants who violate this policy may face disciplinary action at the discretion of CTLA Officers, including but not limited to:

• A formal warning.
• Expulsion from the event and/or membership without a refund.
• Loss of roles within the association, boards, or committees.
• Suspension or expulsion from the Corporation, with automatic cessation of the rights of the member, including access to resources, networking opportunities, or professional development programs, subject to the procedure provided for in Section 3.03 of the By-laws of CTLA.

A confidential summary of any reported incidents and actions taken will be maintained in CTLA executive offices.

Reporting Hostile or Harassing Conduct and Investigation Process

Any member or attendee who experiences or witnesses’ harassment, or has concerns about behavior inconsistent with this policy, is encouraged to report it to any CTLA Officer, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (“EDI”) Committee Chair, or conference staff. Anonymous reporting options may also be available.

CTLA takes all concerns seriously and ensures that all parties involved have an opportunity to be heard. Upon receiving a report, the CTLA Officers will investigate the facts, this will typically include discussion with witnesses, if any, and with the person accused of engaging in the prohibited conduct. Investigations will be conducted as confidentially as possible, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings and established protocols.

Knowingly making false accusations of harassment or providing false information during an investigation may result in disciplinary action. However, good faith reports, even if unsubstantiated, will not be considered false accusations.

Protection Against Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone who reports harassment, participates in an investigation, or asserts their rights under this policy is strictly prohibited. Retaliatory actions, including threats, reprimands, or further harassment, will not be tolerated.

CTLA remains dedicated to ensuring a respectful and professional environment for all members and attendees.

Commitment to a Harassment-Free Environment

CTLA is committed to continuously fighting against harassment and discrimination in all forms. We recognize that maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment requires ongoing effort, vigilance, and accountability.

To uphold this commitment, the EDI Committee will: 

· Regularly review and update our policies to address emerging concerns and best practices.

· Act promptly and fairly on all reports of harassment, ensuring that violations are addressed appropriately.

Our organization is committed to providing a safe and equal space for professional participation for all of our members and event attendees. Everyone has the right to interact with professionals without fear, intimidation, or discrimination.

Questions regarding the interpretation of this Policy must be addressed to the CTLA Vice President.

Coming into force and amendments

This version of the policy was adopted  and comes into force on August 19, 2025. CTLA reserves the right to amend the Policy when it deems appropriate in its sole discretion and in particular, though without limitation, in view of changing legislation