Overview

Preventing Discrimination

Memoranda of Understanding

Memorandum of Understanding
between the Canadian Human Rights Commission
and West Jet

1. INTRODUCTION

   1. The Canadian Human Rights Act was adopted by Parliament to give effect to the principle that all individuals should be treated equally. In recognition of this important principle, the Canadian Human Rights Commission strongly supports preventive strategies aimed at reducing discrimination in the workplace and in the provision of goods and services to the general public.

   2. WestJet and the Commission recognize that reducing discrimination requires a proactive and systemic approach, and that it is in the best interests of all parties to work together to resolve allegations of discrimination as early as possible. Consequently, WestJet and the Commission agree to collaborate on preventive measures, and to take the following steps to deal efficiently with any complaint of discrimination that may arise.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

   1. The Canadian Human Rights Commission will share best practices with WestJet to identify and address patterns of discrimination within the organization, with a view to breaking those patterns through training and education, and finding means to ensure the patterns do not recur.

   2. Upon learning of a human rights dispute in the workplace, WestJet will inform the Canadian Human Rights Commission in order to initiate means to resolve the dispute before a human rights complaint is filed. In turn, the Canadian Human Rights Commission will offer available solutions, including but not limited to the provision of mediators trained in human rights to resolve the dispute, assistance in the development or enhancement of workplace policies related to human rights matters, and the provision of training on the prevention of human rights abuses in the workplace.

   3. WestJet and the Canadian Human Rights Commission will identify ways in which they can work together to maximize the use of appropriate grievance and redress mechanisms before a human rights complaint is filed.

   4. When a complaint is filed under the Canadian Human Rights Act, WestJet will participate with the Commission in efforts to address the matter at the earliest opportunity through all-party discussions, alternative dispute resolution, and joint identification of the issues through a preliminary assessment process. This includes a commitment by WestJet to designate representatives with full authority to deal with complaints promptly and appropriately.

   5. When a complaint cannot be resolved, WestJet will cooperate in all subsequent steps to ensure that the complaint process is completed in a timely manner.

   6. The Commission undertakes to ensure that its processes are flexible, transparent, objective, and professionally conducted.

3. LIAISON MECHANISM

   1. WestJet and the Canadian Human Rights Commission agree that their representatives will meet regularly to promote a good working relationship between the two organizations, and that this memorandum of understanding will be reviewed after twelve (12) months of the date of signature to assess progress.

4. INTERPRETATION

   1. Nothing in this memorandum of understanding derogates from the powers of the Commissioners under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

5. AMENDMENT

   1. This memorandum of understanding can be modified at any time with the agreement of both parties.

6. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SIGNATURE

   1. This MOU will enter into effect on the date of the later signature.

Robert W. Ward
Secretary General
Canadian Human Rights Commission

Fred Ring
Executive Vice-President , People
WestJet

Signed at Calgary on the 8^th day of the month of april, 2005.