Richmond Appoints Legal Expert to Lead External Review of Fire Rescue Department
April 28, 2006
The City of Richmond today announced the selection of labour, employment and human rights lawyer Sue Paish of Fasken Martineau to lead an extensive and comprehensive external review into workplace issues at Richmond Fire Rescue.
Richmond City Council ordered the external review to examine workplace culture, harassment policies, hiring practises and work place safety within Richmond Fire Rescue.
Paish is expected to complete her review by June 30 of this year with a public report including her recommendations to Council. Her report will be used by the City to develop an action plan, implementation schedule and budget. Paish was selected following interviews with seven proponents and a review of their subsequent submissions. The proponents included other law firms, conflict resolution specialists and other professional consultants.
Her terms of reference include conducting interviews with key individuals within the Fire Rescue department; reviewing and evaluating current polices and procedures and proposed initiatives that govern workplace behaviour; reviewing current and past recruiting and hiring practises; reviewing best practices in recruiting and hiring practise; make recommendations on any proposed changes to existing practises; and reviewing workplace safety practises and making recommendations as determined appropriate.
Paish has more than 20 years experience in advising public and private sector employers on human rights, employment and labour matters. She has extensive expertise in conducting reviews and investigations and in developing and implementing policies, including dealing with such issues as harassment, discrimination and other workplace conduct. She was managing partner of Fasken Martineau’s Vancouver office for several years and has a lengthy record of community and professional service for which she has received numerous honours. These include being named in the Top 100 list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2005 and receiving an award as one of Vancouver’s Most Influential Women In business in 2004. Her achievements reinforce the pragmatic business expertise she brings to this review.
In addition to the external review, the City is continuing to implement a Respectful Workplace Program within Richmond Fire Rescue. The City recently introduced a Code of Conduct for Richmond Fire Rescue employees, which was created following an extensive and thorough review of best practices throughout North America. Other elements of the program include additional training on harassment and workplace conduct issues and the establishment of a Respectful Workplace Committee with participation from all department levels.
These initiatives are all part of the City’s ongoing commitment to making whatever changes are necessary to create a positive work environment and increase gender and overall diversity within the Fire Rescue department. The measures also reinforce the City’s resolve that harassment or discrimination of any kind is absolutely unacceptable and that complaints of such behaviour will be thoroughly investigated and result in disciplinary action if proven.
