In Marquardt v Strathcona County, 2014 AHRC 3, the
Alberta Human Rights Commission ("AHRC" or
"Tribunal") considered the validity and enforceability of
an employment release that was signed by a departing employee.
Marie Marquardt was employed as a bus driver prior to being
involved in two motor vehicle accidents in 2011. Following these
accidents, Ms. Marquardt took time off work to recover. She was
deemed fit to resume work as of June 28, 2011 and returned to work
on July 4. On July 11, she left her employment again for medical
reasons. She was deemed fit to return to work by August 1, 2011 and
returned to work on August 22. Eventually, Ms. Marquardt's
employer decided to terminate her employment and presented her with
a termination letter, severance payment, and a release. Ms.
Marquardt accepted the severance and signed the release.
Subsequently, in September of 2012, Ms. Marquardt filed a human
rights complaint alleging that she had been discriminated against
on
