Our Legal Policies​

Please read carefully before signing

Photograph & Video Release Form

I hereby grant permission to the rights of my image, likeness and sound of my voice as recorded on photograph, audio or video tape without payment or any other consideration. I understand that my image may be edited, copied, exhibited, published or distributed and I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of my image or recording. I also understand that this material may be used in diverse settings within an unrestricted geographic area. Photographic, audio or video recordings may be used for the following purposes:

  • online web and social media sites
  • promotional flyers, pamphlets and brochures
  • informational presentations
  • fund raising resources
  • educational and promotional videos
By signing this release I understand this permission signifies that photographic or video recordings of me may be electronically displayed via the Internet or in the public educational setting. I will be consulted about the use of the photographs or video recording for any purpose other than those listed above. There is no time limit on the validity of this release nor is there any geographic limitation on where these materials may be distributed. This release applies to photographic, audio or video recordings collected as part of the ongoing activities of Community Alliance for Support and Empowerment By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have completely read and fully understand the above release and agree to be bound thereby. I hereby release any and all claims against any person or organization utilizing this material for educational and promotional purposes.

If this release is obtained from a person under the age of 19, then the signature of that presenter’s parent or legal guardian is also required.

Health and Safety Policy

The management team at CASE are vitally interested in the health and safety of its staff and volunteers. Protection of everyone from injury or occupational disease is a major continuing objective. CASE will make every effort to provide a safe, healthy work environment. All employees, team leaders and volunteers must be dedicated to the continuing objective of reducing risk of injury. CASE as employer, is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety. As Manager of CASE, I give you my personal commitment that I will comply with my duties under the Act, such as taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of staff and volunteers in the workplace. Team leaders will be held accountable for the health and safety of workers under their supervision. Team leaders are subject to various duties in the workplace, including the duty to ensure that machinery and equipment are safe and that staff and volunteers work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures. Every staff member and volunteer must protect his or her own health and safety by working in compliance with the law and with safe work practices and procedures established by the employer. Staff and volunteers will receive information, training and competent supervision in their specific work tasks to protect their health and safety. It is in the best interest of all parties to consider health and safety in every activity. Commitment to health and safety is an integral part of this organization, from the leadership to every member of the team.

Signed by

Peace Okpara
Executive Director

Harassment & Violence Policy

Introduction

Case Community Services (Case) has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for employees, volunteers, participants and visitors, which are free from harassment and violence. Case considers harassment and violence as unacceptable behaviours and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Reports of harassment and violence will be investigated promptly and confidentially.

As a general rule, Case will ensure the following:

  • Any observed contravention of this policy is immediately advised to the Manager
  • The offending staff member or volunteer is to be counselled by the Manager.
  • Where necessary, a conciliation process between the relevant parties may be initiated by the Manager, Executive Director or Board Chair.
  • Confidentiality except where legally required to report the incidents

Any persons found to have been the cause of harassment or violence can expect to face disciplinary action, which may include summary dismissal.

Case is committed to guarding the rights and dignity of all staff, volunteers, participants and members of the community. While the Human Rights Code specifically references employees, those rights are extended to all who work or volunteer at Case.

Definitions

Basic Rights

“Every person who is an employee has a right to freedom from harassment in the workplace by the employer or agent of the employer or by another employee because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.” – Human Rights Code, Ontario

Harassment

Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome; Human Rights Code – s.10.1 Harassment, within the above definition, may consist of one or a combination of the following:

  • Is uninvited or unwelcome
  • Often involves abuse of power
  • Is likely to cause a hostile or uncomfortable workplace by humiliating someone, seriously embarrassing them, offending them or intimidating them

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment means any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents that: might reasonably be expected to cause offence, embarrassment or humiliation; or might reasonably be expected to be perceived as placing a condition of a sexual nature on employment, services, or on any opportunity for training or advancement.

Sexual Harassment, within the above definition, may consist of one or a combination of the following:
  • Jokes, suggestions or comments of a sexual nature
  • Offensive hand or body gestures
  • Offensive staring or leering
  • Unwelcome physical contact such as brushing against a person, patting, touching or fondling
  • Unwanted advances, interest, propositions or demands
  • Unwelcome comments about a person’s sex life or physical appearance
  • Sexual Assault (a criminal offence)

Other Forms of Harassment

Verbal, Physical and Visual harassment means any unwelcome conduct, comment, gesture or contact, whether on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents that: might reasonably be expected to cause offence, embarrassment or humiliation.
Verbal Harassment include:

  • Foul or obscene language
  • Derogatory comments
  • Demeaning jokes or slurs
  • Intimidation, threats
Physical Harassment include:
  • Practical jokes
  • Pushing, shoving, aggressive behaviour
  • Physical interference with work or movement
  • Abuse or assault
Visual Harassment include:
  • Obscene gestures
  • Demeaning posters, cartoons, graffiti or drawings which are shown to an individual, or a group, or displayed in plain view
  • Distribution of material, telephone calls, emails, screen savers, images from the internet, photographs or other objects which may be offensive

Responsibilities

Case will:
  • Provide a workplace that is free from harassment and violence
  • Ensure a supportive, comfortable and productive environment
  • Ensure compliance with legislative requirements
  • Provide information, instruction, training, supervision and awareness of the appropriate and acceptable standards of behaviour
  • Provide support and assistance to employees and volunteers and ensure that staff are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding harassment and violence
  • Handle complaints immediately, seriously, with sensitivity and confidentially except where legally required to report
  • Prevent the victimization of anyone involved in a harassment or violence complaint
Employees and Volunteers will:
  • Treat colleagues and community members with respect and dignity
  • Ensure their behaviour does not constitute harassment or condone circumstances that may allow such to happen
  • Ensure individuals do not suffer from harassment or violence
  • Ensure they do not act in an inappropriate manner towards other staff, visitors or community members
  • Report all known or observed harassment to the Manager or Executive Director
  • Actively contribute to a harassment and violence free environment
  • Application of the Policy

    This policy is applicable to Case in all its operations and functions including those situations where employees and volunteers are required to work off site.

    If an individual(s) believes they are being harassed, they should:

    1. Immediately make the individual(s) aware that the behaviour is unwelcome and ask him/her to stop.
    2. Report the incident to Manager, Executive Director or Board Chair.
    3. The employee/volunteer has a choice of either discussing the problem (in the case of an informal concern) or submitting a formal or written concern.
    4. The confidentiality of the individuals concerned will be maintained, except where there is a legal obligation to report. An investigation into the incident(s) will be undertaken immediately. If the employee/volunteer requires support or advice, they should contact the Manager, Executive Director or Board Chair.
    5. In some cases, the problem may be corrected in an informal manner. The Manager and employee/volunteer may discuss the concern with everyone who is involved, develop an action plan and check with all concerned periodically to ensure the problem is being or has been resolved. In other cases, the employee/volunteer may wish to put the concern in writing. A full investigation will be carried out, and every effort will be made to resolve the problem in a fair and timely manner.
    6. If the investigation reveals the occurrence of harassment/violence or other unacceptable conduct, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, up to and including termination.
    7. Should the investigation fail to find fault, both parties will be notified of the results of the investigation.
    All employees and volunteers also have the right to contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission to file a complaint of harassment after the internal process has been completed, but may file during the process if the process is taking a long period of time. Incidents can also report to the police either in person or anonymously via crime stoppers. Case Manager, Executive Director or Board Chair are available for support and advice.

    Signed by

    Peace Okpara
    Executive Director

    Conflict of Interest Policy

    Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to protect the interests of Case Community Services (Case) by:
    1. preventing the personal interest of the Board, Employees, and Independent Contractors from interfering with their duties to the organization and
    2. avoiding any unethical financial, professional, or political gain on the part of such individuals.
    3. The intent of this policy is to supplement, not replace, any applicable federal, state, or local laws regarding conflicts of interest.

      Persons Concerned

      This statement applies to Board Members, Officers, and all Employees who can influence the governance and actions of Case. This includes anyone who makes financial decisions, might be referred to as “management personnel,” or have proprietary information regarding Case.

      Procedures

      1. Duty to Disclose

        Each Member, Director, Officer, Employee, and any other Interested Person is under an obligation to disclose the existence or potential existence of a Conflict of Interest as it arises.
      2. Investigating Conflicts

        When a potential Conflict of Interest is disclosed, the Governing Board will then provide the individual with an opportunity to disclose all material facts. The Board will collect all pertinent information and question involved parties. If it turns out that a conflict does not exist, the inquiry will be documented but no further action will be taken.
      3. Addressing a Conflict of Interest

        If the Board determines that a conflict of interest exists, they will take the appropriate actions to address the conflict. This may include (but not be limited to):
        1. prohibiting any Interested Parties from voting on any matter related to said Conflict of Interest or
        2. terminating employment with Case. Affected parties both within and outside of Case, including shareholders, directors, employees, and independent contractors, will be notified. If the Conflict of Interest in question involves a member of the Board, that individual will be excused from deliberations.

      4. Disciplinary Action

        All conflicts of interest will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The board has full discretion to deem what disciplinary action is appropriate and necessary for disclosed conflicts of interest. Provided the Board decision is ratified by at least one founder member.
        If the governing officers reasonably believe a member or staff member failed to disclose an existing or possible Conflict of Interest, it shall inform the individual of the rationale for such belief and grant the individual an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose the Conflict of Interest. After hearing the individual’s response and investigating further as warranted by the circumstances, the governing officers may take appropriate disciplinary action, including removal from the position at the organization, and board decision must be approved by a founder member before implementation.
      5. Notice of Annual Statements

        Every Member, Director, Officer, Employee, and any other Interested Person must sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement upon said individual’s term of office, employment, or other relationship with Case and must do so annually. Failure to sign does not nullify the policy.

      Acknowledgment

      By signing, the individual named below understands what constitutes a Conflict of Interest and understands the procedure for addressing them with Community Alliance for Support and Empowerment, including their duty to disclose any known or potential conflicts of interest.

      The signee agrees to abide by the procedures set forth by this policy for the duration of their relationship with Case