Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour: Respect for All is a program operated throughout British Columbia, with the help of local partners, by the Association of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA) to provide opportunities and training for businesses, institutions, agencies, and local governments to celebrate our differences and reject discrimination.
The goal of the program is to help create safer more aware communities and organizations that welcome and support newcomers, persons of all cultures, people with disabilities, youth, seniors, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirited persons, and other diverse groups. Every organization that participates in the Safe Harbour program makes the following commitments:
Equitable Treatment for All: welcoming all clients and/or customers in a respectful manner. If a concern is expressed regarding a lack of respectful treatment, employers and staff take steps to address it.
An Immediate Safe Place: providing an immediate safe place for someone experiencing discrimination in or near the worksite which may include a place to sit, a glass of water, a phone to use, and access to a list of resources.
Prepared Employees and Worksites: preparing all staff to implement these commitments.
The City of Burnaby has proudly participated in the Safe Harbour program since 2009, and won the first Safe Harbour Champion Award that same year for its efforts.
For more information on the program, or to find out how your organization can become involved, contact the local providers: Burnaby Family Life or the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
