Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

  Version  4.0

  Effective Date  July 30, 2026

  Last Review Date  July 30, 2026

  Previous Review Date  June 3, 2025

  Approved by  Jeremy Belair, Chief Executive Officer

  Responsible Department  Administration

1. Purpose

APR Welding Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment.

This policy outlines the Academy’s commitment to preventing and responding to sexual violence and harassment in alignment with the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, applicable regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

APR Welding Academy is committed to:

Supporting individuals who disclose or report incidents of sexual violence or harassment.

Providing clear procedures for reporting, investigation, and resolution.

Promoting awareness, prevention, education, and respectful conduct.

Maintaining a trauma-informed approach when responding to disclosures and reports.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the APR Welding Academy community, including:

• Students.
• Instructors.
• Employees and administrators.
• Contractors.
• Volunteers.
• Visitors.

Any individual participating in Academy-related activities.

This policy applies to conduct occurring:

• On campus.
• During off-campus activities, events, competitions, training, or placements.
• During virtual or online learning activities.
• Through electronic communication, including email, messaging, and social media where the conduct relates to the Academy community.

This policy applies to both student-related and workplace-related incidents of sexual violence and sexual harassment.

 3. Policy Statement

All members of the APR Welding Academy community have the right to learn and work in an environment free from sexual violence and harassment.

APR Welding Academy will respond to disclosures and reports with dignity, respect, confidentiality, and a trauma-informed approach.

The Academy will:

• Provide education and awareness opportunities regarding sexual violence prevention and response.
• Provide accessible reporting options.
• Ensure reports are handled in a fair, timely, and impartial manner.
• Provide reasonable accommodations and support services where appropriate.
• Protect individuals from retaliation.
• Review and update this policy at least every three years, with student input.

4. Definitions

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence refers to any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression without consent.

Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to:

Sexual assault.

• Sexual harassment.
• Stalking.
• Indecent exposure.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Cyber sexual violence.
• Any other conduct of a sexual nature that violates an individual’s rights or safety.

Consent

Consent is the voluntary, informed, and affirmative agreement to engage in sexual activity.

Consent:

• Must be clearly communicated.
• Cannot be assumed or implied.
• Can be withdrawn at any time.
• Cannot be obtained through pressure, coercion, manipulation, or abuse of power.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including:

• Sexual comments or remarks.
• Sexual jokes.
• Unwelcome sexual attention.
• Sexual gestures.
• Requests for sexual favours.
• Behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Complainant

A complainant is an individual who reports or discloses an incident of sexual violence or harassment.

Respondent

A respondent is an individual who is alleged to have engaged in sexual violence or harassment.

Workplace

Any environment where an individual performs duties related to employment, education, training, or activities authorized by APR Welding Academy.

5. Responsibilities

5.1 APR Welding Academy

APR Welding Academy is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment.

The Academy will:

• Provide ongoing education and awareness regarding the prevention of sexual violence and harassment.
• Ensure this policy is accessible to students, employees, and the public.
• Publish this policy on the Academy website, applicable Occupational Health and Safety postings, and include it within student enrolment documentation.
• Provide clear reporting procedures and available support options.
• Maintain records relating to:
• Reports and complaints received.
• Types of incidents reported.
• Services and accommodations requested.
• Awareness and prevention initiatives.
• Policy effectiveness and reviews.
• Ensure investigations are conducted fairly, promptly, and impartially.
• Protect individuals from retaliation.

5.2 Instructors and Staff

All instructors and staff members are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful environment.

Employees must:

• Treat all students and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent sexual violence and harassment.
• Report incidents they witness or become aware of to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Administrator.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding any disclosure or complaint they receive.

Employees who engage in sexual violence or harassment may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

5.3 Students

Students are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment.

Students:

• Must refrain from engaging in sexual violence or harassment.
• May report incidents or concerns without fear of retaliation.
• May report incidents to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Administrator or another trusted member of the Academy who will assist in connecting them with the appropriate reporting process.
• Will not be subject to irrelevant questioning or disciplinary action related to drug or alcohol use that occurred at the time of an incident when reporting in good faith.

6. Reporting and Confidentiality

Reporting Options

Individuals who experience, witness, or become aware of sexual violence or harassment are encouraged to report the incident.

Reports may be made to:

Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Administrator

Reports may be submitted:

• In person.
• By telephone.
• By email.
• In writing.

Individuals may also choose to report directly to police or other appropriate authorities.

If there is an immediate risk to safety, individuals should contact emergency services by calling 911.

Confidentiality

APR Welding Academy will respect the confidentiality of all disclosures and reports.

Information will only be shared:

• With individuals who require the information to respond appropriately.
• When necessary to conduct an investigation.
• When required by law.
• When there is an immediate risk of harm to an individual or others.

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is necessary to protect safety or fulfill legal obligations.

Records relating to reports, investigations, accommodations, and outcomes will be stored securely in confidential files separate from academic records and employee personnel files.

7. Support Services and Accommodations

Upon receiving a disclosure or report, APR Welding Academy will provide information regarding available supports and accommodations.

Support may include:

• Academic accommodations.
• Workplace accommodations.
• Schedule adjustments.
• Alternative learning arrangements where appropriate.
• Referrals to medical, counselling, legal, or community services.
• Information regarding formal and informal resolution options.

Individuals who disclose sexual violence will not be required to participate in an investigation in order to receive support or accommodations.

If there is an immediate threat to safety, individuals should contact 911 or seek emergency medical assistance.

8. Trauma-Informed Approach

APR Welding Academy recognizes that individuals who experience sexual violence may respond differently depending on their circumstances and experiences.

The Academy will make reasonable efforts to:

• Treat all individuals with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• Avoid unnecessary repetition of the individual's experience.
• Minimize the number of times a complainant is required to provide information.
• Provide information about available options and supports.
• Allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding reporting and participation.
• Ensure processes are conducted in a manner that promotes fairness and reduces unnecessary distress.

9. Investigation Process

Where appropriate, APR Welding Academy will initiate an investigation into reported incidents.

Investigations will be:

• Prompt.
• Fair.
• Impartial.
• Conducted by individuals who are appropriately trained and unbiased.

The investigation process may include:

• Reviewing the complaint or disclosure.
• Interviewing the complainant.
• Providing the respondent an opportunity to respond.
• Interviewing witnesses.
• Reviewing relevant documentation or evidence.
• Preparing written findings.

Both the complainant and respondent will have an opportunity to provide relevant information and identify witnesses.

Where appropriate, investigations may be conducted by an external investigator to ensure impartiality.

Interim Measures

During an investigation, APR Welding Academy may implement interim measures to support safety and prevent further concerns.

Measures may include:

• Schedule changes.
• Changes to reporting relationships.
• Alternative instructors.
• No-contact arrangements.
• Temporary restrictions from campus or activities.
• Administrative leave for employees.

Interim measures do not represent a finding of misconduct.

10. Disciplinary Measures

Where an allegation is substantiated, appropriate action will be taken.

Students

Possible consequences may include:

• Written warnings.
• Educational requirements.
• Counselling requirements.
• Suspension.
• Expulsion.

Employees

Possible consequences may include:

• Training requirements.
• Written discipline.
• Suspension.
• Removal from instructional responsibilities.
• Termination of employment.

Contractors, Volunteers, and Visitors

Actions may include:

• Removal from Academy activities.
• Restriction from campus.
• Termination of contracts or agreements.

Where criminal conduct may have occurred, APR Welding Academy will cooperate with law enforcement authorities as required.

11. Appeals

A person directly affected by a decision may submit an appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the decision.

The appeal must identify:

• The decision being appealed.
• The reason for the appeal.
• Any relevant supporting information.

The Chief Executive Officer will review the appeal and provide a written response.

12. False Reports

APR Welding Academy encourages individuals to report concerns in good faith.

Knowingly making a false report or intentionally providing false information may result in disciplinary action.

A complaint that cannot be substantiated after investigation will not automatically be considered a false report.

13. Reprisals and Retaliation

APR Welding Academy strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who:

• Reports sexual violence or harassment in good faith.
• Participates in an investigation.
• Provides information or evidence.
• Supports another individual through the reporting process.

Retaliation may result in disciplinary action.

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least every three years in accordance with applicable Ontario requirements.

Student input will be considered during the review process.

Review Dates

Previous Review Date: June 3, 2025

Current Version Effective Date: July 30, 2026

Next Review Date: July 30, 2029

15. Data Collection and Reporting

As required under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, APR Welding Academy will collect and maintain information related to sexual violence reports and responses.

Records may include:

• Number of reports or complaints received.
• Types of incidents reported.
• Supports and accommodations provided.
• Awareness and prevention activities.
• Policy effectiveness information.

Information will be maintained and reported in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

Resources and Support Services (Ontario)

Individuals seeking support may contact local sexual assault crisis centres, counselling services, medical services, or emergency services.

Algoma Region

Women in Crisis (Algoma)
24-Hour Support Line: 1-877-759-1230
Office Phone: 705-759-1230

Additional Ontario Resources

Assaulted Women’s Helpline (24/7)
Phone: 1-866-863-0511

Below are 24/7 confidential resources for sexual assault survivors in Ontario:

Region                                    Support Centre                                   24-Hr Phone                                    Office Phone

Algoma (Sault Ste. Marie) Women in Crisis (Algoma)               1-877-759-1230                              705-759-1230

Brantford                                Sexual Assault Centre of Brant       519-751-3471                                  519-751-1164

Chatham-Kent                       CK Sexual Assault Crisis Centre     519-354-8688                                  519-354-8908

Cornwall                                 SASS Women of SDG&A                  613-932-1603                                  613-932-1755

Durham Region                     Durham Rape Crisis Centre             905-668-9200                                  905-444-9672

Guelph-Wellington                Women in Crisis                                519-836-5710                                   519-836-1110

Halton                                     SAVIS of Halton                                 905-875-1555                                   905-825-3622

Hamilton                                SACHA                                                905-525-4162                                    905-525-4573

Kingston                                Sexual Assault Centre Kingston      613-544-6424                                   613-545-0762

Kitchener-Waterloo             SASC Waterloo Region                      519-741-8633                                   519-571-0121

London                                  Sexual Assault Centre London         519-438-2272                                   519-439-0844

For additional resources across Ontario:

Visit: Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres

Individuals may also access resources through Ontario’s network of sexual assault centres and community support organizations.

References

Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

Ontario Regulation 415/06

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Ontario Human Rights Code

Ministry of Colleges and Universities – Sexual Violence Policy Framework

APR Welding Academy Student Handbook

APR Welding Academy Policies and Procedures

Revision History   Version Date      Description

   3.0                         June 3, 2025       Policy reviewed and updated

   4.0                         July 30, 2026       Policy reviewed, updated for compliance requirements, and document controls revised

No Show Policy

Definition of a No-Show: A no-show is defined as any missed appointment without proper notification given at least 24 hours in advance.



Notification Requirements: Clients must notify us of any cancellations or rescheduling needs at least 24 hours prior to their scheduled test slot. Notification can be made by phone or email.

No-Show Fee: Clients who fail to provide the required 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling will be charged a no-show fee.

Exceptions: We understand that emergencies and unforeseen circumstances can arise. Exceptions to the no-show policy may be made at the discretion of management on a case-by-case basis.

Payment of No-Show Fees: No-show fees must be paid before scheduling any future appointments. Failure to pay the no-show fee may result in the suspension of booking privileges.