President Hurls Slur at Fired Ontario Contractor, Triggers Discrimination Lawsuit

What Happened?

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) recently ruled that a slur hurled by a male company president at a fired female contractor was discriminatory on the basis of sex.

Even though the individual wasn’t technically an employee, the HRTO awarded her $300 for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect.

“The [discriminatory] comment was made after reasons for the termination were provided and not as part of the reasons,” Vice-Chair Lavinia Inbar said in her ruling.

“Therefore, I do not find that the comment contributes to a finding that the [contractor’s] protected characteristic of sex was a factor when the decision to terminate the contract was made.”

Inbar dismissed broader claims of sexual harassment and reprisal by the contractor.

SEE ALSO
• Google Fires Pregnant Ontario Worker, Claims Human Rights Weren’t Violated
• Meta Facing Lawsuit for Allegedly Using AI to Axe Workers with Disabilities
• State Farm Facing Discrimination Lawsuit, Allegedly Fired Staffer on LTD

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Ontario. 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.