Overview:
Bill 613 was introduced in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly by Nicole Sarauer, the Opposition Labour Critic and MLA for Regina Douglas Park. The bill emerged as part of a broader effort by the Saskatchewan NDP to enhance workers' rights and address long-standing concerns about power imbalances in the workplace. Among its key reforms, the bill proposes restrictions on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in situations involving harassment or discrimination.

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The legislation was developed in response to national conversations around workplace misconduct and the systemic silencing of survivors through legally binding confidentiality agreements. It reflects growing pressure on provincial governments to ensure that victims of harassment are not coerced into silence as a condition of resolution or employment.

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Key Provisions:
Bill 613 proposes several significant amendments to existing employment laws in Saskatchewan. Notably, it includes language that would limit the use of NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination unless the agreement is initiated at the express request of the survivor. The bill emphasizes survivor consent, informed legal advice, and fair negotiation standards. It also introduces broader reforms to enhance job protections, improve complaint processes, and provide more accountability mechanisms for workplace harm.

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The NDA-related reforms align with similar legislative efforts in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Ontario, and follow calls from national advocacy groups for all provinces to adopt survivor-centered legislation. The bill encourages workplaces to prioritize transparency, public interest, and institutional accountability over the concealment of misconduct.

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Legislative History:
Bill 613 was tabled by the Saskatchewan NDP on November 8, 2023. It was part of a multi-pronged legislative package aimed at improving fairness for workers across the province. The bill passed first reading but has not progressed further. As Saskatchewan’s government is currently held by the Saskatchewan Party, the bill’s advancement depends on future legislative interest or a shift in political momentum. The introduction of the bill, however, represents a clear step toward placing NDA reform on the provincial policy agenda.

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Implications for Survivors and The Restitution Project:
This bill would mark a major shift in how Saskatchewan approaches survivor protection and institutional accountability. If passed, it would ensure that NDAs can no longer be used to silence victims of harassment and discrimination unless it is their explicit choice. For The Restitution Project, this legislation aligns with a broader movement to remove legal tools that perpetuate silence and institutional secrecy. While still early in the legislative process, Bill 613 signals progress and invites continued advocacy in Saskatchewan and beyond.

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