Isn't it interesting to note the differences of response to inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workforce like news reporters vs the political representatives in Canada and the US? Yes, both countries so why?

The opinion on CBC [URL="http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/harassment-in-politics-1.4423600"] might help to explain the reasons. Worth reading right through as written with some wry humour but sharp barbs.

When it comes to harassment in politics, powerful people are writing rules for themselves: Neil Macdonald

Quotes:
As required, I've [reporter Neil Macdonald]read and consented to updates of CBC's regulations covering sexual harassment and other venality.

The rules are exceedingly clear, and similar to those governing employees at other Crown corporations or public servants in government departments.

Basically, it spells out unacceptable behaviour: bullying, unwanted sexual advances, uninvited physical contact, sexual innuendo, demeaning language, discrimination based on bigotry, etc., and warns that offenders will be disciplined, or fired. Period.

The United States Congress is a superb example. And the Canadian House of Commons isn't much different.

Under Congressional rules, an employee who tries to complain about sexual misconduct by a politician is quickly hogtied and silenced. It's atrocious.

The very act of submitting a complaint is characterized as a "request for counselling," as though the victim is the one in need of counselling. And, of course, there's a non-disclosure agreement.

If the complainant can't be counselled out of complaining, she or he must participate in a month or so of mandatory mediation. With the offending boss. And, of course, continue to show up for work.

There's then a month-long "cooling-off" period, which, presumably, allows her or his unthinking anger to cool, and to perhaps further consider dropping the matter.

Only then, 90 days later, can an investigation begin. Oh, and the taxpayer pays the legal bills of the accused politician, but not the complainant.

The House of Commons [in Canada] does have a policy.

It's a most discreet policy. Discretion, not the offence itself, is clearly the paramount concern. Almost every paragraph begins with an admonition to everyone involved about maintaining total confidentiality.

Like Congress's policy, it gags the accuser and lends enormous benefit of the doubt to the accused. Unlike CBC's policy, or the rules of the public service, it doesn't even mention punishment. That sort of distasteful stuff is left to the discretion of party whips. Perhaps the loss of a committee chair, or a parliamentary secretaryship.

The Canadian code begins by strongly urging the complainant to engage first and directly with the harasser, basically hoping to high heaven things can be settled quietly and privately.

That must be comfortable for a woman who's been groped. Gropers are such sympathetic listeners, especially when they're your boss.

The two sides can even seek advice from the coordinator of the "Finding Solutions Together Program." Seriously. Such a thing exists. Formal mediation is also "strongly encouraged."

The answer, from a senior official speaking on background: it's secret. The House has acknowledged the existence of exactly one inquiry, and another is apparently reaching its conclusion. The party affiliation of the members involved, of course, remains secret.

The official reason is that MPs are special. So very special. They're not employees, so cannot be subject to the rules that govern ordinary public service plebs. They cannot be fired or even disciplined by anyone other than their party leadership.

Remember, they enjoy "privileges and powers and immunities" that must be respected if democracy is to survive in this country.

The whole process is overseen by the Commons Board of Internal Economy, which could instruct CSIS [Canada's intelligence] on keeping information secret.