Record-Tying General Damages Awarded By Alberta's Human Rights Tribunal

In McCharles v Jaco Line Contractors Ltd.,¹ the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal ("Tribunal") sent a strong warning to employers that behave badly by ordering one of the highest general damages awards in the Tribunal's history.

The Tribunal's Decision

The complainant, a former occupational health and safety specialist for Jaco Line Contractors, was terminated from her employment after accusing the company's owner of sexual harassment. In particular, she alleged that:

• the owner referred to the complainant as "Supertits";
• the owner arranged for him and the complainant to share a hotel suite during a work trip, with an open-concept den without door or lock, even though she was not comfortable doing so;