Memorandum of Understanding
between the Canadian Human Rights Commission
and Canada Post Corporation

The Canadian Human Rights Act was adopted by Parliament to give effect to the principle that all individuals should be treated equally. In recognition of this important principle, the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) strongly supports preventive strategies aimed at reducing discrimination in the workplace and in the provision of goods and services to the general public.

Canada Post Corporation (CPC) and the CHRC recognize that it is in the best interests of all parties to collaborate on preventive measures aimed at reducing discrimination in the workplace and as well to work together in appropriate cases to resolve allegations of discrimination as early as possible.

The CPC and the CHRC undertake to collaborate to prevent discrimination within the Corporation through training and education.

The CPC and the CHRC undertake to identify ways to maximize the benefits of early dispute resolution mechanisms before a human rights complaint is filed, in appropriate cases.

Upon learning of a human rights dispute in the workplace, the CPC may contact the CHRC in order to initiate means to resolve the dispute before a human rights complaint is filed. In turn, the CHRC may offer solutions acceptable to the CPC, including but not limited to the provision of neutral mediators to resolve the disputes, and where appropriate, assistance in the development or enhancement of workplace policies related to human rights matters, and the provision of training on the prevention of human rights abuses in the workplace.

When a complaint is filed under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the parties undertake in appropriate cases to resolve allegations of discrimination as early as possible. Measures such as all party discussions, joint identification of the issues and alternative dispute resolution may be utilized.

When a complaint cannot be resolved, the CPC will carry out its responsibilities under the Act in all subsequent steps to ensure that the complaint process is completed in a timely manner taking into consideration the unique nature of its operations. It is understood that this does not derogate from the responsibility and the sole authority of the Commission under the Canadian Human Rights Act to investigate complaints with respect to contravention of the Act.

The Commission undertakes to ensure that the processes are flexible, transparent and in full compliance with the rules of natural justice.

The CPC and the CHRC agree that their representatives will meet regularly to promote a good working relationship between the two organizations, and that this memorandum of understanding will be reviewed after 12 months of the date of signature to assess progress.

Nothing in this memorandum of understanding derogates from the powers of the Commissioners under the Canadian Human Rights Act, nor imposes any additional legal obligation on the CPC not provided for under the Canadian Human Rights Act, nor constitutes a waiver of any defence available to the CPC under the law.

Mary Gusella
Chief Commissioner
Canadian Human Rights Commission

Moya Greene
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canada Post Corporation

Signed at Ottawa
this12th day of the month of December, 2005.