Version #8, 2025/06/26

 

Pine Tree Potters’ Guild (PTPG) supports an environment where all members are treated fairly, difference is acknowledged and valued, communication is open and civil, conflict is
addressed early and there is a culture of respect and cooperation.

The expectation remains the same for non-Pine Tree Potters Guild members attending
Pine Tree classes and functions on the premises. Non-members shall follow the same
complaint process as noted below.

Discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated.

Discrimination is any action, decision or omission that treats a person or a group
negatively because of their race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, or on the basis of any other
ground of discrimination set out in federal or provincial human rights laws in Canada.
 

Harassment is a form of discrimination. It involves any unwanted physical or verbal
behaviour that offends or humiliates a person or group of people.

Pine Tree Potters’ Guild (PTPG) is committed to fostering and supporting a respectful
and inclusive environment for all.

PTPG has a process for receiving, investigating and dealing with reports of disrespectful
behaviour, discrimination and harassment and to supporting and assisting the person or
group subjected to disrespectful behaviour, discrimination and harassment.

PTPG Board of Directors will review this policy annually and communicate any changes
to all members.

[1] INFORMAL RESOLUTION
 

Any member of PTPG who has experienced or witnessed disrespectful behaviour,
discrimination or harassment should take proactive steps to address the behaviour.
 

We empower our members to resolve simple conflicts themselves at the time of
occurrence or as soon thereafter as possible.

If this does not resolve the conflict, a confidential written complaint must be submitted
by email to the president for further action to be taken. The President will distribute the
written complaint to the Board of Directors in confidence.

[2] FORMAL WRITTEN COMPLAINT
 

Formal written complaints made under this policy are confidential. Details of the
complaint will only be shared for the purposes of resolving the complaint.
 

A Board of Directors meeting will be convened in a timely manner for discussion of the
complaint.
 

It is understood that if two or more parties are involved, a confidential investigation must
take place. At a Board meeting the Directors will determine by vote how the
investigation will take place, and by whom.
 

Once the investigation has been completed, the person/s leading the investigation will
circulate a written report to the Directors for review before meeting.
 

At a Board of Directors meeting the next course of action or method of resolution will be
determined by vote. This decision then will be enacted by the President.
 

This may result in a warning issued in writing, a probationary period being issued in
writing, or PTPG membership/s revoked in writing.
 

For non-PTPG members this may result in a warning issued in writing, or revoking
further participation in a class or event in writing.

If an extreme situation should occur, the course of action could be as serious as a
report to the Police or Human Rights Commission.

Retaliation against anyone who has made a complaint or participated in an investigation
under this policy will not be tolerated.

The Pine Tree Potters’ Guild Board of Directors will only notify those involved in this
formal complaint of their decision.