NDP: Let’s work together to stop the misuse of NDAs and create safer workplaces

TORONTO – Official Opposition NDP critic for Attorney General Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) welcomes the government’s announcement that the Ministry of Labour will finally begin consultations on the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence survivors of workplace misconduct.

“In June I tabled a bill, Stopping the Misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements Act, to prohibit the coverup of sexual discrimination, harassment and abuse by the wealthy and powerful. Today I welcome the announcement by the Minister of Labour to begin consultation on this important issue.

The NDP bill was written with the input of lawyers committed to ending gender-based violence, unions and one of the leading voices of stopping NDA abuse in the world, Can’t Buy My Silence. Creating healthy and safe environments in the workplace and beyond is everyone’s business so, this should be a non-partisan issue. I look forward to working with the government to pass this overdue bill as soon as possible.”

Quotes:

MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto – St. Paul’s), Official Opposition Critic, Women's Social and Economic Opportunity

"Non-disclosure agreements stand in the way of justice and healing. Instead of working to protect victims, they work to protect abusers while effectively giving them a pass to perpetrate again. We urge the government to move quickly to ban their misuse by passing MPP Wong-Tam's legislation, created through in-depth consultation with the sector, as an important step to ending gender-based violence in Ontario."

Julie Macfarlane, Emerita Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Windsor and Member of the Order of Canada and co-founder of Can’t Buy My Silence

“Can’t Buy My Silence applauds the Ontario government for taking this next step in stopping the misuse of NDAs in cases of harassment, discrimination and other forms of abuse. Every day, people across the province are being silenced by these agreements, while perpetrators and abusive organizations are being protected, the Ontario government already took a crucial step by banning the use of NDAs in cases of harassment at post-secondary institutions. This legislation would protect all victims of discrimination and harassment—and the sooner the Misuse of Nondisclosure Agreements Act is passed, the more people can be saved from the painful life of silence.”