Choosing Canadian Training | Why it Matters

ARETE | A Canadian Company Training Canadian Employees Since 1993

For over 30 years, ARETE has been a proud Canadian-owned and operated company, dedicated to providing industry leading Workplace Violence Prevention, De-escalation, Personal Safety, and Bullying and Harassment Prevention training. Our deep roots in Canada allow us to understand the unique challenges faced by Canadian organizations, ensuring that our programs are aligned with local values, workplace regulations, and cultural expectations.

A Canadian Approach to Preventing Violence

Our training philosophy has always followed a distinctly Canadian approach—one based on extensive research, expertise, experience, and community trust. ARETE offers solutions that are designed specifically for Canadian workplaces.

Protecting Canadian Businesses

Recent economic and sovereignty challenges have made it more important than ever to support Canadian businesses. Many organizations unknowingly adopt training programs developed outside of Canada, without realizing that Canadian-based alternatives exist. At ARETE, we strongly encourage workplaces to prioritize training solutions that are built within our country, by people who understand the Canadian workforce.

Consider the origins of some commonly used training programs in Canadian workplaces:

• CPI (NVCI) Head Office: Wisconsin, USA
• MOAB Head Office: Pennsylvania, USA
• Verbal Judo Head Office: New York, USA
• MANDT Head Office: Texas, USA

Meanwhile, ARETE Training is proudly headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Preventing Violence | Canadian vs. American Safety Training

At first glance, workplace violence prevention training may seem universal, however, there are key differences between Arete’s training curriculum and programs imported from the U.S. These differences can impact effectiveness, regulatory compliance, workplace culture, and practical application.

1. Canadian Safety Legislation vs. U.S. 

Workplace violence prevention and harassment training should meet or exceed provincial, territorial and federal regulated training requirements, and this is where Canadian and American training programs diverge significantly.

• In Canada, workplace violence and harassment laws fall under provincial and territorial occupational health and safety (OHS) acts and the Canada Labour Code (for federally regulated workplaces). These laws define employer responsibilities, reporting procedures, and worker rights regarding workplace safety.
• In the U.S., workplace safety is regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and state laws can vary significantly. It is important to confirm that training designed for U.S. workplaces fully addresses regulatory obligations for reporting, intervention, and employer liability.

Arete’s training programs are designed specifically to ensure that employees receive instruction that assists organizations in gaining compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations, while providing the safest work environment for their employees.

2. Workplace Culture & Approach to Conflict

Canada and the U.S. typically have different workplace cultures and attitudes toward workplace conflict management and violence prevention.

• American training models often stem from security and law enforcement principles.
  • Many U.S.-developed programs, such as Verbal Judo, were originally designed for police and security professionals, then later adapted for workplaces.
  • Other US training systems were originally developed for group home settings with curriculums adhering to prescribed paint by number responses focused on controlling behaviours with an emphasis on setting verbal limits leading to potential consequences issued for non-compliance. 
  • American training materials often use language tailored to U.S. workplaces, where policies may be influenced by at-will employment laws (which do not exist in Canada) and different approaches to liability and worker rights.

• Canada emphasizes a preventative, employee safety focused approach.
  • Many Canadian organizations may not be interested in their employees learning how to restrain clients or customers and instead seek out training that focuses on preventing violence.
  • Training developed in Canada typically centers on preventative strategies including proactive management of client behaviours via proven effective de-escalation techniques, and early intervention of employee to employee conflicts (related to personal and human rights harassment).
  • Arete’s programs give workers the skills and confidence to safely manage the continuum of conflict from proactive response-to-anger through to safe/effective response to harassment, verbal abuse, threats, and acts of violence.

3. The Language of Workplace Safety

Workplace violence prevention training is not just about teaching skills—it is about how safety is framed and communicated.

• Canadian training programs are designed with a focus on inclusivity and psychological safety, aligning with Canadian workplace diversity and human rights laws.
• A Canadian-based program ensures that terminology, scenarios, and case studies reflect the unique Canadian business challenges and realities, making the training relevant and applicable.

4. Economic & Ethical Considerations

Choosing a Canadian training provider goes beyond getting the right content—it is an investment in our country’s economy, businesses, and jobs.

• U.S.-based training providers charge our northern workplaces for licensing fees and train the trainer programs, funneling profits out of the country.
• When organizations choose a program developed and delivered in Canada, they are supporting local businesses, jobs, and communities; that investment stays in the country, contributing to the growth of our economy and the resilience of our workforce.

By opting for a Canadian provider, such as Arete, organizations ensure that their employees receive relevant, legally compliant, and culturally aligned instruction for preventing violence, while supporting the Canadian economy.

Investing in Canadian Excellence

Unlike a number of U.S. training programs that have expanded into Canada, Arete’s curriculum was created specifically for Canadian businesses—not just adapted for them.

At Arete, we take a uniquely Canadian approach to training. Our programs:

1. Align with Canadian workplace safety legislation to keep organizations compliant
2. Reflect Canadian workplace culture and values
3. Use relevant scenarios and examples that apply to Canadian employees
4. Support the Canadian economy by investing in local expertise

Make the Canadian Choice

When it comes to workplace safety, quality matters. Arete’s training programs are designed by Canadians, for Canadians, ensuring that organizations across the country have access to training that truly meets their needs. By choosing Arete, you’re not just investing in your employees’ safety—you are investing in the future of Canada.

Join the movement. Choose Arete for a safer, and healthier workplace.

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• From Awareness to Action | Preventing Hate Crimes, and Violence in the Workplace
• Effective Workplace Customer/Client De-escalation & Violence Prevention Training
• Customer Conflict | Employee Stress, Safety, and the Bottom Line
• Customer/Client Violence | Considerations and Rationale for Procedural Development
• Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace