On May 13, 2026, the Government of Quebec adopted the Regulation respecting measures to prevent or put a stop to situations of sexual violence. This regulation clarifies employers’ obligations with respect to the prevention of sexual violence in the workplace.
It forms part of the continuum of amendments introduced by the Act to modernize the occupational health and safety regime (the “Act”), which have come into force gradually over recent years. It reflects the legislator’s intent to strengthen the integration of psychosocial risks into occupational health and safety prevention processes and to specify the measures employers must implement to prevent, detect, and put an end to situations involving sexual violence.
What does this mean in practice for employers?
1. Informing workers of risks and reporting mechanisms
As of May 27, 2027, employers will be required to provide all workers, in writing, with information regarding the risks present in their workplace, including those likely to contribute to situations of sexual violence. They must also inform workers of the prevention and control measures set out in their prevention program or action plan, as well as the mechanisms put in place to report an incident or file a complaint.
2. Training employees
As of May 27, 2028, all employees will be required to receive training on the prevention of sexual violence in the workplace. The regulation specifies the topics and content that must be covered as part of this training. The training must thereafter be renewed at least every three years.
3. Implementing a reporting procedure
Employers must also establish a formal, detailed, and accessible procedure allowing employees to report a situation of sexual violence or file a complaint. In particular, employers must designate a person responsible for receiving and handling employees’ complaints or reports concerning situations of sexual violence.
