Bullying Purposely Left Out?: Canada’s amended Labour Code and its potential impact on Indigenous workers

Workplace discrimination is common for Indigenous people (1,2). Unacceptable behaviours may take place at work, such as threats, intimidation, or violence (2). The workplace is a location where behaviour labeled as ‘bullying’ occurs (1,3). When examining Indigenous workers, the impacts of behaviour defined as bullying (and the mere act of defining the behaviour as bullying rather than racism, violence or harassment) may be exacerbated given the unique history of Indigenous people. My proposed research on bullying behaviours experienced at work by the Indigenous population has been largely overlooked by existing research on bullying at work and on the legislative and legal response to it. This study is timely in Canada and will contribute significantly to the literature on workplace bullying, violence, racism and harassment. Monique Gignac and the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) will partner on this project. Mutual benefits will be generated as the IWH currently doesn’t have a strong Indigenous research program but can provide strong psychosocial theoretical approaches to workplace health and safety. The connections with Indigenous workers through this project will add to the understanding of how Indigenous people identify their workplace climate and culture as it relates to ‘bullying’ behaviours, racism, violence and harassment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Vicki Kristman

Student:

Robyn Alexandria O'Loughlin

Partner:

Institute for Work & Health

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Other

University:

Lakehead University