Anti-Harrasment Policy

Effective Date: October 7 ^th, 2024

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and professional environment for both our customers and our employees. This policy outlines our expectations for behaviour and the steps we will take to address any instances of harassment, abuse, or misconduct. It applies equally to all customers, employees, contractors, and representatives of Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure a safe and respectful environment for all individuals interacting with Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc.
• Outline the behaviours that are considered inappropriate, abusive, or harassing, whether directed at our employees or our customers.
• Establish clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing incidents of harassment or misbehaviour.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Canadian laws that protect individuals from harassment and abuse.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Customers: Any individual or entity that interacts with Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. for the purpose of using our services, including but not limited to booking inspections, receiving reports, or making inquiries.
• Employees and Contractors: All employees, contractors, and representatives of Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc., regardless of their role or location.

3. Definitions

• Harassment: Any unwanted conduct, comment, gesture, or action that demeans, humiliates, or threatens an individual or group of individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and any form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
• Misbehaviour: Inappropriate actions or conduct that is disruptive, offensive, or harmful to others. This includes aggressive behaviour, disrespectful communication, and failure to follow company policies or instructions from staff.
• Discrimination: Any unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under Canadian law.
• Workplace Violence: Any act in which an individual is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted in their workplace. This includes physical violence, threats of violence, and any other forms of intimidating behaviour.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, misbehaviour, or discrimination. The following behaviours are strictly prohibited, whether committed by customers, employees, or contractors:

4.1 Verbal Harassment

• Abusive Language: Using offensive, profane, or degrading language toward any individual.
• Threats: Making threats of physical harm, legal action, or other forms of intimidation.

4.2 Physical Harassment

• Aggressive Behaviour: Any form of physical aggression, including pushing, shoving, or any other form of physical contact that is unwelcome or threatening.
• Assault: Any attempt or act of physical harm, which will be reported to law enforcement.

4.3 Discriminatory Behaviour

• Discrimination: Any behaviour that discriminates against an individual based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under Canadian law.
• Hate Speech: Any communication that promotes hate or violence against an individual or group based on protected characteristics.

4.4 Sexual Harassment

• Unwelcome Advances: Making unwelcome sexual advances or comments to any individual.
• Inappropriate Contact: Any form of physical contact that is sexual in nature and unwelcome by the recipient.

4.5 Misuse of Communication Channels

• Spamming: Repeatedly sending irrelevant or unsolicited messages through any communication channel.
• Abuse of Support Channels: Using customer support or other communication channels to harass or demean our employees or customers.

5. Legal Framework and Compliance

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. operates in strict compliance with Canadian laws that protect individuals from harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence. Below are some key legal frameworks that underpin our policy:

5.1 Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-6)

• The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, and conviction for which a pardon has been granted. This Act applies to all federally regulated companies and ensures that individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination.

5.2 Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)

• The Criminal Code of Canada addresses criminal harassment under Section 264, which includes stalking, making threats, and other forms of harassment that cause someone to fear for their safety. Violations of this law can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

5.3 Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1)

• Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act mandates that employers take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from violence and harassment in the workplace. This includes ensuring that employees are protected from harassment by customers and that customers are protected from harassment by employees.

5.4 Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2)

• The Canada Labour Code sets out requirements for federally regulated employers to prevent and address workplace harassment and violence. Part II of the Code emphasizes the importance of providing a safe work environment and mandates the implementation of policies and procedures to protect workers.

6. Reporting and Addressing Incidents

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. encourages all individuals to report any incidents of harassment, misbehaviour, or discrimination. We are committed to investigating all reports thoroughly and taking appropriate action.

6.1 Reporting Channels

• For Customers: If you experience or witness harassment or misbehaviour by an employee, you should report the incident as soon as possible using the following channel/s:
  • Email: customerservice@vehicleinspect.ca
• For Employees and Contractors: If you experience or witness harassment or misbehaviour by a customer or a colleague, you should report the incident to your supervisor or the Human Resources department immediately.

6.2 Confidentiality

• Privacy of Reports: All reports of harassment or misbehaviour will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know to investigate and address the issue.

6.3 Investigation Process

• Thorough Investigation: Upon receiving a report, Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. will promptly initiate an investigation. This process may involve interviewing the parties involved, reviewing communications, and gathering any other relevant evidence.
• Impartiality: All investigations will be conducted impartially, with the aim of reaching a fair and just resolution.

6.4 Corrective Measures

• For Employees: Depending on the severity of the incident, corrective measures may include warnings, suspension, termination of employment, or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate.
• For Customers: If a customer is found to have violated this policy, actions may include immediate termination of services, banning from future services, and reporting to law enforcement where applicable.

7. Consequences of Violations

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. takes violations of this policy very seriously. The following consequences may apply to those who engage in prohibited conduct:

7.1 For Employees and Contractors

• Disciplinary Action: Employees or contractors who engage in harassment or misbehaviour may face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract.
• Legal Action: In cases of severe misconduct, Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. reserves the right to pursue legal action against the offending party.

7.2 For Customers

• Service Termination: Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. reserves the right to refuse service to any customer who engages in harassment or misbehavior. This includes the cancellation of scheduled inspections without a refund.
• Permanent Ban: Any customer found to have violated this policy may be permanently banned from using our services.
• Legal Action: In cases of physical assault, threats, or other illegal activities, we will report the incident to local law enforcement authorities and may pursue civil claims.

8. Prevention and Education

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. is committed to preventing harassment and promoting a respectful environment through the following initiatives:

8.1 Training and Awareness

• Employee Training: All employees and contractors will receive training on recognizing, preventing, and responding to harassment and misbehaviour. This training will be conducted regularly to ensure that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.
• Customer Awareness: We will provide clear information to customers about our behavioural expectations and the consequences of violations through our website, service agreements, and customer communications.

8.2 Policy Review

• Regular Review: This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with current legal standards and best practices.
• Feedback Mechanism: Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. encourages feedback from employees and customers to improve our policies and procedures. Suggestions for improvement can be submitted anonymously to our Human Resources department.

9. Amendments to This Policy

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. reserves the right to amend this “Anti-Harassment Policy” at any time. Any changes will be communicated to customers and employees through our website, internal communications, or other appropriate channels. The updated policy will take effect immediately upon posting.

10. Conclusion

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. values the safety and dignity of our staff and customers. We are committed to maintaining a professional and respectful environment for everyone. By using our services, you agree to adhere to this policy and contribute to a positive and safe interaction for all. This policy is designed to clearly communicate the expectations for customer behaviour and the actions Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc. will take in response to any violations. It also ensures compliance with Canadian legal standards and provides a robust framework for dealing with incidents of harassment and misbehaviour.

Saurav Yadav

Director, CEO and President

Vehicle Inspect Canada Inc.