January 20, 2026 - Vancouver, British Columbia- Department of Justice Canada

Workers in British Columbia will continue to receive free legal advice and education to help address workplace sexual harassment, supported by $1.5 million in federal funding. The Sexual Harassment Advice, Response and Prevention for Workplaces (SHARP Workplaces) project, is being delivered by the Community Legal Assistance Society. It will provide free legal advice and resources to workers across the province, including those in rural and remote areas.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The Community Legal Assistance Society will use the funding to provide up to five hours of free legal advice in person, by phone, or via video conference, to British Columbians experiencing workplace sexual harassment. It will also offer referrals to other services such as counselling, housing, and employment support.

In addition to direct legal services, the Community Legal Assistance Society will conduct outreach activities, develop legal resource materials and public legal education resources, and train lawyers and staff to deliver trauma-informed and culturally appropriate services. These efforts aim to increase awareness of legal rights and responsibilities in the workplace, particularly among vulnerable workers in male-dominated trades.

With a recent increase in violence in BC workplaces, including bullying, harassment and sexual harassment complaints, there is a growing need to provide support to workers through free legal advice and resources. This project will help workers be informed of their rights and responsibilities and seek the services they need.