A review of workplace harassment allegations at the Calgary Drop-In Centre (CDIC) by the province is complete, showing the province is satisfied with new policies and procedures implemented at the centre.
The review comes after bullying and harassment allegations surfaced last winter.
Former CDIC associate director Stephanie Raynor-Hohol alleges she was bullied, grabbed and harassed last October by her former co-worker at the centre.
This prompted the City of Calgary, CDIC and the province to each launch their own independent investigations into the claims.
Power said the new policies at the CDIC will “improve workplace culture.”
“The drop-in recently implemented new policies and procedures to support the health, safety, and security of staff,” the statement read.
“There has been a change in leadership at the Calgary Drop-In Centre at both the staff and board level.”
It’s a move the province said was an encouraging development. Raynor-Hohol said the changes validate her decision to speak out.
“With the province today, bold statements they were making. It’s good. It’s the beginning,” she said.
Raynor-Hohol also commended the City of Calgary for how they handled the allegations.
“Their investigation came forward and they were going to watch and work with the drop-in, and say ‘You know they didn’t have the systems in place,’” she said.
“The city continues to meet monthly with the leadership of the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society and monitors the organization to ensure it continues to meet the expectations in the funding agreement,” said Melanie Hulsker, Calgary Neighbourhoods director.
Board of directors board chair Ken Uzeloc called the findings “reassuring.”
The former CDIC employee who was accused, Steve Baldwin, released a statement calling the allegations against him “baseless and untrue,” adding he “promoted a safe and secure workplace for clients and staff” while he worked there.
The CDIC said a new workplace fairness ombudsman at the drop-in will also be another resource for staff.
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