Ottawa Community Housing was served with a statement of claim on March 28, and has issued the following statement:
“On March 28, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation received a statement of claim alleging that OCHC employees subjected female employees of Dentemp Contracting + Inc. and Stonewall Contracting Corporation to harassment and sexual assault, and gender-based discrimination in the workplace. The allegations contained in this claim have not been proven in court.
OCHC is currently reviewing this claim with its legal counsel and will respond in due course. Given that this is currently the subject of ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide further information related to this claim. Furthermore, OCHC does not publicly discuss individual personnel matters.
Discrimination, assault and harassment of any kind, including of sexual nature, have no place at Ottawa Community Housing. OCHC wants it clearly understood that these behaviours are fundamentally inconsistent with our values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. OCHC expects all employees to remain professional and respectful at all times in the workplace; this includes when interacting with another employee, a contractor, a tenant or a member of the public and at all times conduct themselves in accordance with OCHC’s Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy. OCHC has also provided Safe and Respectful Workplace Training to all staff.
We take allegations of harassment very seriously. If a complaint is formally received, OCHC’s policy is to conduct an investigation into the matter. The corporation has clear policies that govern how these complaints are handled.
OCHC is committed to providing a safe and respectful working environment.”
Contact (Media Only)
Nathaniel Mullin
Communications and Media Specialist
343-997-5700
media@och.ca
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