As we look forward to the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association in Quebec City, May 15-18th, the CAA needs to ensure in the most immediate way that participation in our organization and in our annual meeting is undertaken with a clear framework for professional conduct. The CAA executive is committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that our members, conference participants, and any public attendees are protected from harassment, assault, and other misconduct as they take part in CAA sponsored events and activities.

Our current statements of Principles of Ethical Conduct do not address these matters and require immediate revision to include a policy on sexual harassment and sexual assault. We will form a committee to draft these updates and will hold a meeting on the morning of May 16th for those members interested in serving on this committee. The time and location of this meeting will be released by an email to the membership, as well as on a letter to be distributed at registration. If you are interested in serving on this committee and not able to attend, please submit your name to Michael Deal at president@canadianarchaeology.com.

The CAA executive is implementing an immediate series of procedures to protect members and conference attendees—these are intended to align with those measures currently being implemented by the AAA and CASCA for their upcoming shared conference in Vancouver.

• Enhanced security at the meeting to include badge check-ins to prevent unregistered attendance
• A well-publicized reporting mechanism for those who feel unsafe because of the presence of another attendee, to include:
  • Conference organizers and support staff who are easily identifiable through “safety and security” badges who can offer immediate assistance and support
  • A CAA email address to be created and distributed via an email to membership prior to the meeting for use in reporting incidents or concerns (This email will be widely publicized at the meeting on signage in conference spaces and in registration packages.)
  • Conference organizers and support staff to be available to discreetly accompany attendees to meeting events at their request
  • Confidentiality requests to be respected within the parameters of the law and the CAA to do everything in its power to protect any complainant from retaliation
• Any member of the CAA or participant in the CAA conference who is currently sanctioned for assault or harassment by their institution or place of employment will be barred from taking part in CAA events. If you are in this position and have already completed your registration, an appeal may be requested, and your registration fees will be reimbursed. On-site and day-of registration will be denied.
• If a person attending the 2019 annual meeting is found to have violated the conditions outlined above, they will be immediately asked to leave the conference premises, their meeting badge will be revoked and notice will be given to all organizers and staff to refuse their re-entry. If an incident should arise the CAA will work directly with law enforcement to manage the removal process.
• If a broader safety concern arises at the meeting that involves the safety of all attendees, the CAA will provide timely updates as they become available, or are necessary, to ensure the immediate safety of members.

The CAA remains an organization bound by our principles of ethical conduct. We have a mutual obligation to protect our members and to ensure the safety of all those who attend our events. We look forward to working with membership to update our policies and processes and to ensure that our upcoming meeting remains a respectful and safe space for all participants.