FREDERICTON, N.B. – The annual Respectful Workplace Week is taking place in New Brunswick from Sept. 5 to 9 this year, as the provincial government continues to promote workplace equality while raising awareness of bullying and discrimination. In a Sept. 1 announcement, Premier Brian Gallant said that respectful treatment of colleagues helps to improve productivity and morale in work environments. “It is the employer’s responsibility to prevent and eliminate harassment,” said Gallant. “Harassment in the workplace is a form of discrimination. It is unwelcome and unwanted. It affects the individual’s ability to learn and work. It can also be an expression of abuse of power, authority or control and is coercive in nature, which has negative effects on the organization and employees.” As part of Respectful Workplace Week, he added, the Fredericton Public Library will host a series of free lectures and information sessions about workplace bullying on Sept. 8, courtesy of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research. “Your government is committed to ensuring all New Brunswickers can work in healthy, respectful and inclusive workplaces where all people are valued,” said Gallant, who is also the province’s Minister Responsible for Women’s Equality.