The onus is on the person experiencing the harassment to inform the harasser that the behaviour is unwelcome. Examples of Harassment Verbal or physical abuse, threats, derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendo or taunts about appearance or beliefs. The display of pornographic, racist or offensive images. Practical jokes that result in awkwardness or embarrassment. Unwelcome invitations or requests, either indirect or explicit.
Harassment can also be outright physical assault.
In Alberta, the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act protects employees against harassment in and away from the workplace, if harassment is based on one of the above listed grounds, where the incidents occur in connection with the employment. When a supervisor harasses an employee, it is an abuse of authority and the employer may be held responsible. It is inappropriate behaviour that may deny equal employment opportunity to the employee who is harassed. When a co-worker harasses another employee, the employer may be held responsible. Harassment is not new.