Canadian Opera Company Respect and Safety Policy
Adapted from the COC Code of Conduct and Ontario Human Rights Commission
Everyone at the Canadian Opera Company, whether they are a staff member, artist, volunteer, or patron, has the right to experience a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. By taking part in any COC activity as a guest, audience member, member of the media, vendor, sponsor, or partner, you agree to follow the company’s Respect and Safety Policy.
The COC has its own internal Code of Conduct; this policy is an extension of that code, covering all forms of interaction and communication with the COC, including, but not limited to, behaviour conducted over the phone, online, or in-person at any of our venues.
The COC will not tolerate any form of harassment or the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions, including ableist, racial, religious, sexist or ethnic slurs, and/or any other targeted comments which are intended or ought reasonably to be known to cause personal offense. Intentionally disruptive and/or abusive behaviour will also not be tolerated.
Harassment is engaging in a course of comments or actions that are known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome. It can involve words or actions that are known or should be known to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning or unwelcome.
In addition, any threat, behaviour, or action which is interpreted to carry the potential to harm or endanger the safety of others, result in an act of aggression, or destroy or damage property will not be tolerated, whether made in-person, over the phone, or online.
Violating the Respect and Safety Policy may result in halt of service, expulsion from an event without warning or refund, and/or barred attendance from future events, at the sole discretion of the COC.
Staff members who experience violations of this policy should report the incident to their manager immediately and feel empowered to end interactions that make them feel unsafe or discriminated against.
