Google Fires Pregnant Ontario Worker, Claims Human Rights Weren’t Violated

What’s Happening?

Sarah Lilleyman, a former Google Canada employee, is suing the tech giant for wrongful dismissal — alleging “pregnancy discrimination.”

While the company denies that its decision to terminate the Ontario-based worker in 2024 was discriminatory, it made a stunning claim in its statement of defence.

“Google Canada states that Lilleyman’s allegations, even if true (which are expressly denied), do not amount to a violation of [Ontario’s Human Rights Code]…First, ‘pregnancy’ is not a protected ground under the Code,” the statement reads.

However, pregnancy is a protected ground under the province’s human rights legislation — making it illegal to “fire you, demote you, or lay you off (even with notice) because you are or may become pregnant.”

Currently, Lilleyman’s allegations haven’t been proven in court.

SEE ALSO
• Workday Facing Age Discrimination Lawsuit, HR Software Allegedly Biased
• Desk Discrimination: Library Employee Files $4.6-Million Lawsuit
• Canadian Awarded Over $170K, Harassed & Abandoned in Mexico by Boss

Lost Your Job? Contact Us

If you’ve been fired or let go for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, or BC have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals enforce their rights and secure the compensation they’re owed.

📺 WATCH: Understand the Difference Our Firm can Make in Certain Situations

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.