Land Acknowledgement

AFCOOP acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People. They are the original storytellers on this land and we are grateful to learn and share in that long and rich creative history. True reconciliation requires more than just an acknowledgement and we are committed to being part of the solution against the systems of oppression that continue to face Indigenous peoples. We are all treaty people.

AFCOOP Equality Statement

AFCOOP solidarity is based on the principle that all AFCOOP members are equal. Mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We embrace an open and inclusive environment and encourage respectful behaviour that affirms the dignity of all individuals. We neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual, or that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Discriminatory speech or conduct based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, age, class, language, religion, ethnic origin, membership, region or work category, or family status hurts and divides us. Discrimination can take the form of harassment, defined as using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue, or humiliate. Discrimination and harassment weaken our membership, reducing our capacity to work together.

AFCOOP activities are to be harassment-free zones where our members’ dignity and equality are respected. Complaints of harassment and discrimination are taken seriously by AFCOOP, and should be directed to the Executive Director, the Safer Spaces Committee, or their designate. All will be investigated and those substantiated will result in action.

Definitions of Unacceptable Behaviour 

Bullying means behaviour, typically repeated, that is intended to cause or should be known to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, exclusion, distress or other harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, reputation, or property. It can be direct or indirect, and includes assisting or encouraging the behaviour in any way. 

Cyberbullying means any electronic communication through the use of technology including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, computers, other electronic devices, social networks, text messaging, instant messaging, websites and electronic mail, typically repeated or with continuing effect, that is intended or ought reasonably be expected to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress, or other damage or harm to another person’s health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, or reputation, and includes assisting or encouraging such communication in any way. 

Discriminatory behaviour includes any discrimination based on race, culture, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability or mental disability, mental illness, age, national or aboriginal origin, socio-economic status, or appearance. 

Illegal activity is committing any act, or inciting others to commit any act, involving a serious civil wrong or crime such as, but not limited to, stealing, and possessing or selling stolen property. 

Insubordination is behaviour that conveys a deliberate disregard for a person’s authority and position.

Misuse of networks or online resources is unauthorized access or misuse of networks, online resources, and or e-communications.

Physical violence is using force, gesturing, or inciting others to use force to injure a member of the AFCOOP community. 

Racist behaviour includes using racial/cultural slurs, engaging in racial/ ethnic name-calling, or actions, or inciting others to use racist language or engage in racist behaviours. 

Sexual assault is any sexual touching or contact without consent as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada. 

Sexual harassment is any objectionable, coercive, or irritating comment, communication, action, or attention of a sexual nature that is directed to a person or persons by someone who knows, or ought reasonably to know, that such actions are unwelcome; action or communication with a sexual connotation or component that creates an intimidating, demeaning, or offensive work or school environment, even if it is directed to no person in particular. 

Sexual misconduct includes any behaviour of a sexual nature or connotation that is deemed inappropriate or unacceptable at AFCOOP or during any AFCOOP-related activity. 

Significant disruption to AFCOOP operations includes committing acts or inciting others to commit acts that are seriously disruptive to the learning environment or create a safety hazard to AFCOOP members or staff. 

Use or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is the use or possession of paraphernalia intended for use with illegal drugs. 

Use or possession of illegal drugs is the use, possession, or selling of a controlled drug or substance. 

Vandalism is committing or inciting others to commit damage to the personal property of a member of the AFCOOP community, damage to property owned or operated by the AFCOOP, damage to any property while attending an AFCOOP-related activity, vandalizing, damaging, or disabling the work of another individual or organization using technology. 

Verbal abuse is using, or inciting others to use, language that is demeaning, threatening, or intimidating to another person. 

Weapons possession includes possessing or inciting others to possess or use a weapon (anything used, designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person) or instrument as a weapon, while on AFCOOP property or while attending an AFCOOP-related activity. 

Weapons use is the use or pretense of using a weapon (anything used, designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person) or instrument as a weapon while on AFCOOP property or while attending an AFCOOP -related activity. 

How To Make a Complaint / What Happens When You Do

AFCOOP will record and track incidents of unacceptable behaviour, both intentional and unintentional. All records of incidents of unacceptable behaviour will identify:

• The person’s name and membership/affiliation with AFCOOP.
• The date, time, and location of the incident. 
• The category of behaviour. 
• Factors contributing to the incident. 
• A description of the incident. 
• A description of related incidents. 
• The target of the incident.
• Actions and consequences taken in response to the behaviour/incident.
• Safer Spaces Committee comments.