Code of conduct - For participants

The REGARD Festival considers it important to highlight its new rules concerning all forms of harassment and violence. We believe it is essential to take preventative measures in these areas, and that is why REGARD wishes to make all Festival participants aware of these issues.

The REGARD Festival does not tolerate any form of psychological harassment, intimidation, or physical or verbal violence in any Festival venue.

1) DEFINITIONS

 a) PARTICIPANTS
A “participant” is anyone who participates in any way, at any venue, in the REGARD Festival’s activities, including but not limited to:

●      Guests
●      Holders of passes, tickets or professional credentials
●      Partners
●      Funding bodies
●      Media
●      Team members
●      Board members
●      Volunteers
●      Suppliers

b) Psychological harassment
The term psychological harassment refers to vexatious conduct expressed in behaviours, words, actions or gestures that are repeated, hostile or unwanted and that undermines the dignity or psychological or physical well being of the target, and that creates a hostile environment for that person. A single incident of serious misconduct can also constitute psychological harassment if it has such effects and a lasting impact on the victim.

The term psychological harassment includes discriminatory harassment and sexual harassment, as defined below.

Situations that generally do not constitute harassment
The concept of harassment must be distinguished from other situations such as interpersonal conflict, work-related stress or difficult professional circumstances.

Behaviours that may be linked to harassment
The following behaviours could be considered vexatious conduct constituting harassment, provided they also meet the other criteria of psychological harassment: 

●      Intimidation, cyber bullying, threats, isolation
●      Offensive or defamatory words or actions directed at a person or their work, via any communications technology or other means
●      Verbal violence
●      Defamation

c) Discriminatory harassment
Discriminatory harassment is psychological harassment based on one or another of the grounds listed in Article 10 of the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. As of the date of adoption of the present code of conduct, this means race, skin colour, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, age (except to the extent permitted by law), religion, political beliefs, language, ethnic or national origin, social position, physical handicap or measures used to alleviate such handicap.

d) Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is psychological harassment involving words, actions or gestures of a sexual nature, for example sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or gestures or contact of a sexual nature or any other behaviour, whether verbal, non-verbal or physical, of a sexual nature, such as insults, crude statements, jokes, remarks, and the posting or distribution of drawings, images, calendars or electronic messages (email, text messages, Messenger messages, Facebook posts, etc.). 

2) Applicability

The present code of conduct covers interactions among participants. All participants, without exception, are bound by the present Code of Conduct.

3) Code of Conduct: Statement of Intent

The REGARD Festival will not tolerate or allow any form of psychological harassment, intimidation or violence, whether physical or verbal, in any venue where a Festival takes place.

4) Consequences and measures

All violations of the present code of conduct brought to the attention of the REGARD Festival will be subject to appropriate measures depending on the circumstances, in order to end the situation and prevent its recurrence.

In case of a violation of this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to address yourself directly to the person you consider responsible for the violation. If you believe you have been targeted by a behaviour prohibited by this code, or if you observe such a violation, we strongly encourage you to report the incident to the REGARD Festival team by writing to [email protected].

The internal recourse procedure included in the present Code must not be interpreted as preventing or limiting persons from making an official complaint or pursuing any form of legal action before a competent court or tribunal.

Any violation of the law must be reported to the authorities. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.