Human Resources 101

Edmonton… A new guide for the service industry will help ensure customers are treated fairly and equally. Developed by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, the information will help hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs to prevent discrimination and resolve problems when they do arise.

In addition to outlining the rights and responsibilities of individuals, employers, service providers and policy makers under Alberta’s human rights law, the publication also details standards for behaviour that comply with human rights legislation.

“Dealing with discrimination is a shared responsibility. Government, businesses, community organizations, public institutions and individuals all have a role to play,” said Denis Ducharme, Minister of Community Development, responsible for human rights. “I encourage Alberta’s hospitality industry to look at this information and ensure they protect the dignity of their customers.”

Many businesses in Alberta have taken the initiative to ensure services are provided to all citizens equally. For example, Canterra Suites in Edmonton believes that staff who are treated respectfully and without discrimination will, in turn, treat the customers in the same way. “The diversity of our staff reflects the diversity in society, and consequently the diversity of our hotel guests,” said Jaie Phillips, General Manager. “Virtually all our business is return business. Diversity works and is necessary to succeed in our constantly changing world.” Canterra Suites has won numerous awards for their dedication to building a welcoming and inclusive environment including the Health Workplace Initiative Award from the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta and the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission Diversity Leadership Award of Distinction, part of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce business awards program.

This publication is part of a greater education focus of the Commission. “Education about human rights is extremely important. It is a preventative measure, to help ensure that discrimination does not occur in the first place,” said Chief Commissioner Charlach Mackintosh.

Funding support for this initiative was provided through the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Education Fund. The fund helps Alberta not-for profit organizations and public institutions undertake educational initiatives to advance equality, fairness and inclusion.

The publication titled, Human Rights in the Hospitality Industry, is available free of charge online at www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca or by calling the Commission at (403) 297-6571

Information available for hospitality industry on how to provide services free of discrimination.