Poisoned Workplace Leads To $25,000 In Damages

In a recent decision,¹ the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (the "Tribunal") awarded an Applicant $25,000 in damages for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect, as well as damages for lost wages, after her employment was terminated without cause. Here is what employers need to know about when the Tribunal can find comments amount to discrimination and a poisoned workplace.

Background

The Applicant was a 53-year-old executive assistant hired by IMS Incorporated to support its CEO. Her employment was terminated just one month after being hired for being – in the employer's words – "too senior" for the job and "not a right fit". She filed an application with the Tribunal alleging that the termination of her employment was discriminatory due to her age and sex and that she had been subjected to a toxic work environment.