We, the undersigned, are calling on the Government of British Columbia to take decisive action and pass legislation that limits the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (“NDA”). NDAs have too often been used to silence survivors and conceal patterns of sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, and other serious misconduct.

Former BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau introduced legislation in 2024 to restrict the use of NDAs in these contexts. While that bill  did not pass, public awareness and demand for accountability have continued to grow. Survivors, workers, and advocacy organizations across the province are continuing to  speak out about the harms caused by secrecy clauses that protect institutions rather than people.

British Columbia now has a critical opportunity to show leadership. One (1) Canadian province, four (4)  countries (Ireland, UK, Australia, and the United States), and 29 U.S. states have already taken steps to curb the misuse of NDAs. Canada’s federal bill is being voted upon this year. BC should not fall behind. By acting now, the province can help protect survivors, promote transparency, and send a clear message that misconduct will not be hidden through silence.

NDAs permanently gag victims, and prohibit them from speaking to family, friends, and sometimes even therapists about their experiences, or warning others about perpetrators and abusive organizations.; 

While NDAs allow abusers — some of whom have acted criminally — to keep their jobs or move to other employers with impunity.

NDAs protect the reputation of perpetrators and/or abusive organizations.

NDAs chill the climate for anyone wishing to report  wrongdoing (CBMS data shows that 34%  of people who consider making a complaint don’t proceed because they anticipate being pressured to sign an NDA). They also neutralize momentum from important social movements (such as the #MeToo movement) by concealing and minimizing the experiences of the many who felt emboldened to come forward but were met with NDAs.

NDAs leave victims living in fear of breaking the agreements, and, in the process, damage their mental health;.

NDAs force  tens of thousands of Canadians into a lifetime of silence every year. As research studies show, most NDAs disproportionately impact marginalized communities.