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Forms & Policies

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Purpose

The Manitoba government is committed to an ethical and respectful public service. This policy provides direction and measures to assist core public service employees in recognizing, preventing and effectively addressing disrespectful behaviour including sexual harassment and bullying.

Objectives

This policy aims to foster, maintain and provide guidance for a respectful workplace free of harassment, including sexual harassment and bullying, where all employees and supervisors:

  • treat others with respect, dignity and fairness
  • have a clear understanding of their responsibilities, the options and the process for reporting and addressing violations of this policy

To achieve these objectives, this policy outlines three steps in addressing inappropriate behaviour.

Step 1: Assessing the Options Available – There are a number of reporting options and post-incident supports that employees can access when they have experienced inappropriate behaviour. These options are available so employees can feel more comfortable coming forward and raising concerns to ensure that inappropriate behaviour stops.

Step 2: Addressing Inappropriate Behaviour – For less severe forms of inappropriate behaviour (e.g. disrespect), employees should first consider whether they can resolve the matter informally (e.g. speaking to the other person, or seeking the advice or support of a supervisor or other post-incident supports). If an employee is not comfortable addressing the situation informally, or for more severe forms of inappropriate behaviour (e.g. harassment, sexual harassment and/or workplace violence), they should report the incident to an appropriate reporting contact.

Note: A supervisor or anyone receiving a complaint of sexual harassment must document the complaint using the Complaint of Inappropriate Conduct Form and report it immediately to human resources.

Step 3: Ensuring Workplace Restoration – After a situation involving inappropriate behaviour has been addressed, supervisors are responsible to ensure there are measures in place to maintain respect in the workplace.

Note: Behavioural concerns may involve third parties such as members of the public, contractors or clients. The same steps outlined above would be applicable to those situations as well to address any inappropriate behaviour from third parties.

Application

This policy applies to all members of the core public service of the Manitoba government, as defined in The Public Service Act, and their interactions with:

  • other employees
  • contractors
  • members of the public
  • members of the Legislative Assembly including Cabinet ministers
  • members of the allied public service, as defined in The Public Service Act, section 3(4)
  • members of the broader public service, as defined in The Public Service Act, section 3(3)

This policy applies to the workplace itself, as well as activities connected with the workplace (e.g. travel, conferences, online, work related social gatherings, etc.).

Definitions (Behavioural)

Respectful Behaviour: This behaviour values diversity, inclusion, dignity, courteous conduct, mutual respect, fairness, equality, and promotes positive communication and collaborative working relationships.

Inappropriate Behaviour: This is an overarching term used to describe disrespectful behaviour, sexual harassment, harassment, bullying and/or workplace violence.

Disrespectful Behaviour: This behaviour is disruptive to positive communication, courteous conduct and collaborative working relationships (e.g. gossip, interruptions). Behaviour may also be disrespectful if it does not value diversity, inclusion, dignity, fairness and equality. More objectionable and severe forms of disrespectful behaviour are considered harassment and/or bullying.

Bullying: See Harassment definition.

Harassment: This policy uses The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation definition of harassment, which defines two different forms of harassment:

  • Objectionable conduct that creates a risk to the health of a worker
  • Conduct is objectionable if it is based on race, creed, religion, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender-determined characteristics, marital status, family status, source of income, political belief, political association, political activity, disability, physical size or weight, age, nationality, ancestry or place of origin; and/or
  • Bullying behaviour
  • This behaviour includes severe conduct that adversely affects a person’s psychological or physical well-being. Conduct is considered severe if it is:
  • repeated humiliation or intimidation that adversely affects a person’s psychological or physical well-being; or
  • a single instance so serious that it has a lasting, harmful effect on a person.

Harassment may be written, verbal, physical, online or electronic, a gesture or display, or any combination of these. It may happen only once, but often happens repeatedly.

Sexual Harassment: This form of harassment is based on sex, gender (how one identifies including gender identity or expression or gender-determined characteristics) or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment can be sexual in nature, but can also include any form of harassment based on sex, gender or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment can also refer to behaviour that creates or permits a sexualized or sexually charged, or a negative / poisoned work atmosphere.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Abusive remarks or behaviours based on sex, gender or sexual orientation
  • Objectionable and unwelcome sexual solicitations or advances
  • A reprisal, retaliation or threat of retaliation for rejecting a sexual solicitation or advance
  • A reprisal or threat of reprisal for filing a sexual harassment complaint
  • Sexual harassment may be written, verbal, physical, online or electronic, a gesture or display, or any combination of these.

Workplace Violence: This term refers to the attempted or actual exercise of physical force against a person, or any threatening statement or behaviour that gives a person reasonable cause to believe that physical force will be used against the person. Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes cheating on assignments and exams as well as aiding and abetting in the cheating. Cheating on assignments includes, but is not limited to: deliberately allowing another student to copy your work, falsifying results, falsifying documents, buying or obtaining a paper or project and turning it in as your own, unauthorized collaboration on the preparation of course work, plagiarism, and submitting the work of others (published or not) in whole or in part without acknowledgement of proper documentation. Cheating on exams includes writing an exam for someone else or vice versa and storing information on electronic devices before the exam. Students are expected to do original work.  Academic dishonesty will be dealt with by an immediate suspension of the student from the course and/or the Manitoba Emergency Services College.

Age Requirement

Anyone wishing to apply or be tested for a Manitoba Emergency Services College course or testing, regardless of status (online, in-person, practical evaluation, written exam, etc.) must be 18 years of age.

Attendance

Attendance is taken at every course.  A roster of all accepted applicants is compiled and provided to the Instructor prior to the course.  Upon completion of the course all attendance information will be returned to Student Services at the Manitoba Emergency Services College.

Manitoba Emergency Services College courses require 100% attendance to complete all the course work for certification.  However, the Manitoba Emergency College realizes this may not always be possible and that reasonable emergency leave for legitimate reasons may have to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Absence permission is determined by the Instructor. Absences from class do not relieve a student of the responsibility to complete the coursework to the satisfaction of the Instructor.  Absences without approval by the Instructor will result in an incomplete (IN) for the course.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

Cell phones or other electronic devices may be used in class as an educational resource except during quizzes or exams and only when the Instructor allows. If a cell phone becomes a distraction in class the Instructor may request it be turned off or silenced.  Students refusing to do so may be asked to leave the class and possibly the course. If a student is asked to leave the course, an incomplete (IN) will be recorded on their transcript and their tuition will not be refunded.

Certificate Replacement

Requests for the replacement of certificates must be received in writing by Student Services and will be charged a $20.00 per certificate fee.  If the original certificate had an accreditation seal, that seal cannot be re-issued on the replacement certificate, as accreditation seals are numbered and are only issued once. The replacement certificate will have the seal number recorded on it.

Changes

Curriculum, testing, policies, fees, textbooks, etc., or other matters concerning the Manitoba Emergency Services College are subject to change without notice, and at the discretion of the Manitoba Emergency Services College.

Classroom Demeanour

The Manitoba Emergency Services College has a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behaviour, disrespectful, or vulgar remarks in class.  Students who fail to demonstrate courtesy and respect in class will be asked to leave the classroom, and possibly the course.  An incomplete (IN) will be recorded on their transcript, their tuition will not be refunded, and their Emergency Services Department will be notified in writing.

Course Materials

All courses, programs, and materials developed by the Manitoba Emergency Services College are for the sole use of individuals authorized by the Manitoba Emergency Services College to utilize those courses or materials.

The Manitoba Emergency Services College will not recognize unauthorized use of any course materials and appropriate legal action may be undertaken.

Course Postponements or Cancellations

The Manitoba Emergency Services College will cancel or postpone any course that does not meet the minimum registration three (3) weeks prior to the start date.

If a course is affected by inclement weather or for an emergency response requiring Office of the Fire Commissioner’s staff, that course may be cancelled.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College is not responsible for any expenses incurred by an individual if a course is cancelled or postponed.

Course Withdrawal

Ceasing to attend a course does not constitute a withdrawal from that course.  Failure to officially withdraw from a course following the proper procedures will result in a fail (F) on students’ transcripts and tuition will not be refunded.  If after registering for a course the student decides not to attend, it is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw by sending the request in writing, by email, to Student Services. If an employer withdraws the student they must also submit the request to Student Services, and the request must state that they have advised their employee.

Students may voluntarily withdraw from a course at the end of the first day and receive a 50% refund of the tuition fee.  Students officially withdrawing after the first day will not receive a refund and a Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) will be recorded on their transcript.

Students may voluntarily withdraw from an online course at the end of the second week after the start date of the course to receive a tuition refund and a Voluntarily Withdrawal (VW) will be recorded on their transcript.  Students must officially withdraw by notifying Student Services in writing.  An Administrative Fee of $75.00 will be deducted from the refund.  Students withdrawing after the second week will not receive a refund and a Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) will be recorded on their transcript.  Students waived from the tuition fee who withdraw from an online course after the second week will be invoiced a $75.00 Administrative Fee.

Students not claiming a refund must still formally withdraw from any course they do not plan to attend or complete.  Failure to formally withdraw in writing from any course will result in a fail (F) on the student’s transcript.   Students waived from the tuition fee must also formally withdraw from a course they do not plan to attend or complete or they will be invoiced a $75.00 Administrative Fee and a fail (F) will be recorded on their transcript.

Students waived from the tuition fee who withdraw from a course after the course has begun will be allowed to do so only once.  If the student registers for the course again and withdraws a second time they will be invoiced a $75.00 Administrative Fee and a fail (F) will be recorded on their transcript.

Equity

The Manitoba Emergency Services College is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from all forms of discrimination.  All courses and testing offered by the Manitoba Emergency Services College is available to all applicants meeting admission requirements without regard for race, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and all other characteristics as protected by the Manitoba Human Rights Code.

Exams

It is the responsibility of the student to know the method of exam and/or evaluation that is being used for courses they are registered for. Students must register for the exam on the Manitoba Emergency Services College “Exam Application Form” three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled date they plan to attend.

  • Exam Challenges – The Manitoba Emergency Services College does not allow exam challenges.
  • Exam Locations – All written exams are held at predetermined exam sites.  All practical exams for Fire Fighting and Hazardous Materials are held at the Manitoba Emergency Services College Practical Training Site in Brandon.
  • Exam Reviews – The Manitoba Emergency Services College conducts automatic exam reviews after a student is unsuccessful on a written exam for a course twice. Exam reviews involve checking the exam questions for validity, cross-referencing with the course text, etc. After a review, the student will be given suggestions for improvement and areas to focus on for further study. Decisions of an exam review committee/personnel are final.
  • Grades & Examinations – Students who successfully complete a course or seminar and complete all written and practical exams (as outlined in each course or seminar description) will receive an updated transcript and/or certificate. Please keep your certificates and transcripts in a safe place, as certificates with accreditation seals on them cannot be reissued with the seal.  Due to the “Personal Information Protection & Electronic Act (Jan.1, 2004)” course grades will not be given by telephone or to any other individual or organization.  Any individual or organization requesting a copy of a student’s transcript must submit an original “Transcript Release Form”.
  • Identification at Exams – The Manitoba Emergency Services College requires picture identification from students at all written and practical exams.
  • Re-tests for Practical Exams – All re-tests for practical exams must be done within one (1) year after completion of the first practical test.   Only two (2) re-test opportunities will be given. Students who have not completed or who fail all re-tests during this specified time will receive a fail (F) grade for the course recorded on their transcript and will have to complete a recurrent training or redo the course.  Scheduling a re-test for practical exams is the responsibility of the student.  No extensions to the one (1) year deadline will be granted.
  • Rewrites for Written Exams – All rewrites for written exams must be done within six (6) months  after the completion of the first exam.  Most courses are given two (2) rewrite opportunities. Students who have not completed rewrite exams during this specified time will receive a fail (F) grade for the course, recorded on their transcript, and will have to complete recurrent training or redo the course. Scheduling a rewrite exam is the responsibility of the student.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College will determine the location of such rewrite exams.
  • Verbal Exam – All verbal exam requests must be received in writing to Student Services from the student three (3) weeks prior to the requested exam date.  This request must outline the reason a verbal exam is being requested.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College reserves the right to refuse a verbal exam when the Standards being certified requires the students be able to read, write and interpret information to be part of an effective emergency response team.  All verbal exams will be done in Brandon only.

First Aid and CPR C

Standard First Aid and CPR C courses must be taught by a provider identified on the Workplace Safety & Health website at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/training.html

Grievance Procedures

A student having a valid, well-considered, academic type of grievance must exercise the following procedure:

Step 1: Try to work out the problem with the Instructor(s).

Step 2: If the student is not satisfied, they may seek advice from a Program Manager.

Step 3: If Step 2 is unsuccessful, the problem must be sent in writing to the Director of the MESC in the form of an appeal within 10 working days.

Impairment

Impairment may be caused by, but not limited to: illness, injury, fatigue, alcohol consumption, prescription/non-prescription medication, and/or illicit substances.  Instructors suspecting a student to be impaired in any way that could affect motor skills, judgement, or capability to perform required tasks, will excuse that student for the day.  The student may also be asked to leave the course.  The reason the student was asked to leave will be documented for the general course file and a note made on the student’s academic record.

Manitoba Fire Department Members

Manitoba Emergency Services College tuition fees are waived for Manitoba Fire Fighters who are active members of a Manitoba Municipal Fire Department. The definition of a Municipality is “a municipality that is continued or formed under the “Municipal Act”. The definition of an active member of a Manitoba Municipal Fire Department is an individual who is on the staff roster, able to attend emergency responses and attends emergency responses with that department, participates in training sessions, and is covered by Worker’s Compensation or other applicable insurance within that Municipality.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College reserves the right to request proof that a fire fighter is an active member of a Manitoba Municipal Fire Department and/or proof of Worker’s Compensation or other applicable insurance.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College will refuse registration on any course or testing if the individual does not provide the proof requested.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College reserves the right to limit access to any course, only to fire fighters who are active in the discipline for which they are applying.

Medical Permission

For courses with strenuous practical work, students may be required to obtain permission from their doctor before participating. The Manitoba Emergency Services College reserves the right to request the Medical Clearance Form (available at https://firecomm.gov.mb.ca/mesc.html) prior to students being allowed to participate in any training or testing.  Within some courses, the Manitoba Emergency Services College will be monitoring students’ vital signs.  If the Instructor determines a student does not meet predetermined clinical criteria, they will be asked to leave the course.  The decision of the Manitoba Emergency Services College in a situation of this nature is final.

Parking

Students attending the Manitoba Emergency Services College in Brandon must park in the designated area only (yellow lots/as indicated by signage) and/or must display a parking pass, which can be acquired from MESC upon arrival. Students are responsible for making themselves aware of parking rules at the Manitoba Emergency Services College and at host agencies.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College will not assume responsibility for any parking or towing charges.

Personal Information Protection & Electronic Act

Due to the Personal Information Protection & Electronic Act (Jan. 1 2004), transcripts, certificates, and all other student-related information is mailed to the student using regular mail through Canada Post.  If a student requests information to be sent to them in any other way, they are required to pay whatever fees may apply in fulfilment of this request.

Prerequisites

All Prerequisites identified at the beginning of each course outline must be completed before applying for the course.  Courses taken at other educational institutions or other jurisdictions must have a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) done and a credit granted prior to applying for the Manitoba Emergency Services College course.

Projects

Course projects/assignments must be completed by the due date assigned by the MESC.  If the project is not completed by the due date and the student has not been granted an extension by the Instructor, the project will receive a fail (F) grade and the student may be asked to leave the course.  Only two project extensions per course will be granted.  If a student is unsuccessful on a project, they will be given one opportunity to re-do the project.  If the second project is not successful they will receive a fail (F) grade for the course and may be asked to leave the course. Students must complete all projects before they are allowed to take any exams (written or practical), or participate in any labs.

Punctuality

For the purposes of this policy, punctuality is defined as arriving to class on time and staying as long as required by the Instructor.  Students are expected to be respectful of their Instructors and other students, and be punctual for all classes and class activities.  Classes will begin promptly at the time specified in the student’s confirmation letter. Specific instructions for subsequent days may be given by the Instructor after the first day of class. Late arrivals or leaving early will be recorded on the roster.  Instructors will not repeat course work that has already been taught. If a student requires assistance from an Instructor to catch up on missed material due to punctuality/attendance issues, there will be an hourly fee assessed for the time of the instructor.

Registration

Admission to all courses offered by the Manitoba Emergency Services College is by advance registration only. Courses with low registration – that do not meet minimum thresholds for participant scenarios, safety, etc., will be cancelled.  The Emergency Services College reserves the right to limit access on any course to those students who are active in the discipline for which they are applying. WALK-IN ATTENDANCE ON THE FIRST DAY OF ANY COURSE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Upon receipt of an application form, eligibility will be determined by assuring all Prerequisites are met.  Upon acceptance of the application, a letter of confirmation will be emailed directly to the applicant.  When a course is full, applicants are notified and their applications are held on a waitlist in case of other students withdrawing. If there are no withdrawals, the applicant must re-apply for a future offering of the course.

Requisite

All requisites identified at the beginning of each course outline must be completed within 18 months of completing the foundational course (this timeline includes all exam and rewrites of exams).  If the requisites are not completed within 18 months of completing the course, an Incomplete (IN) will be recorded on the student’s transcript.  No extensions to the Requisite deadline will be granted.

Safety

Students will be committed to safety throughout the duration of the course, and follow all safety directions, guidelines, and policies of the Manitoba Emergency Services College.  Any student involved in unsafe acts will be asked to leave the course. Any and all accidents must be reported immediately to the Instructor.

Scent-Free

Some individuals suffer from serious health problems, allergies, and chemical sensitivities to scented products. Due to the health concerns arising from exposure to scented products, the Manitoba Emergency Services College has a scent-free policy.  Individuals will be asked to be considerate in their use of products with a strong scent, and may be asked to refrain from using these products while attending the Manitoba Emergency Services College.

Textbooks

Required textbooks will be listed in course outlines.  Each student must have the textbook identified for the course, in the correct edition, or they may be asked to leave the course.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College does not condone the copying of textbooks or any portion of textbooks for use on Manitoba Emergency Services College courses. The Manitoba Emergency Services College does not purchase or loan textbooks to students.

Tobacco 

The Manitoba Emergency Services College and its host agencies are tobacco-free work environments.  The use of tobacco or smokeless tobacco products by any staff, student, vendor, or visitor is not permitted at any time inside any buildings at the Manitoba Emergency Services College or host agency.  This includes chewing tobacco and vaping while in class.  Smoking is permitted at the Manitoba Emergency Services College outside its building in designated, non-hazardous areas away from doors and windows, and as designated by a host agency.

Worker’s Compensation

Individuals registered for Manitoba Emergency Services College courses must be covered by Worker’s Compensation with their respective Emergency Services Department.  The Manitoba Emergency Services College reserves the right to request proof of this coverage. Individuals who are not covered by Workers’ Compensation (or applicable), or who cannot provide proof of this coverage if requested, are not eligible to register for MESC courses. The MESC accepts no liability in the event that someone uncovered by appropriate insurance, is injured on our courses, grounds, etc.

We Strive to Do Our Best.

Feedback allows us to continually evaluate our services and do better. Please reach out to the MESC with any comments, concerns, or complaints via the methods outlined below. To grieve an academic decision by the MESC, please see the “Grievance Procedure” in the Forms and Policies section.

Contact Us
Toll Free: 1-888-253-1488
firecomm@gov.mb.ca