Below is Theatre Passe Muraille’s media statement to the recent Toronto Star article.
At Theatre Passe Muraille, we are committed to creating a safe and respectful workplace and to provide support for those who have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment or violence. We will not, and do not, tolerate conduct that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of an individual, or that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
As a leadership team, together with our board, we will continue to do everything we can to prevent and address toxic behaviours. All staff members (full, part-time and contract) are required to read and confirm they understand our company’s Discrimination, Harassment and Violence policy, which has and continues to be compliant with statutory requirements. We also encourage and provide training for staff to speak up against discrimination and harassment. As conveyed during staff trainings, and as set out in our policy, we encourage everyone to come forward if they have experienced or witnessed discrimination and harassment, and we remain committed to treating all information shared as confidential to the greatest extent possible while ensuring that concerns are appropriately addressed.
We understand that the allegations described in a recent Toronto Star article can be triggering and challenging to process. We also understand there may be a desire for TPM to comment on these allegations. However, due to confidentiality and privacy rules, both at law and under our policies, we cannot share information about past or current employees.
We will continue to reinforce our Policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Violence, seek external advice, and update our policies and processes on a regular basis. We will also continue to invest in staff education and training, implement new procedures as they emerge, and remain committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all TPM community members.
Marjorie Chan (Artistic Director)
Indrit Kasapi (Artistic Producer)
Michelle Knight (Managing Director, Revenue and Strategy)
Susan Moellers (Board Chair)