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ARTICLE · 10 JUNE 2022

Workplace Harassment Leads To Record Damages Award In Alberta

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The Tribunal in Yaschuk awarded $50,000 in general damages — the highest general damages ever awarded by the Tribunal — to a complainant who had been sexually harassed in the workplace.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Arooj Shah
Arooj Shah
Walter Pavlic, K.C.
Walter Pavlic, K.C.
Ember Lagden
Ember Lagden
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General damages awards for discriminatory conduct have dramatically increased across Canada in recent years. The trend continued in Yaschuk v Emerson Electric Canada Ltd ("Yaschuk"), a recent decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta (the "Tribunal").

The Tribunal in Yaschuk awarded $50,000 in general damages — the highest general damages ever awarded by the Tribunal — to a complainant who had been sexually harassed in the workplace. Prior to Yaschuk, the highest general damages amount for discriminatory conduct in Alberta was $35,000. The Yaschuk award represents a significant leap and sends a clear message to employers that the Tribunal will not tolerate discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

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