Pressured to spy and party: Canada Soccer staffers decry workplace toxicity

A four-month investigation by The Globe and Mail alleges that Canada Soccer failed to act on warning signs of a women’s program in crisis.

Among the bombshell findings was that the national soccer federation conducted two confidential investigations in 2023 to determine if the work environment had become toxic.

Key findings

• Complaints about the women’s program being a toxic were focused on head coach Bev Priestman and assistant coach Jasmine Mander.
• Seven former staffers told The Globe that both coaches promoted winning at all costs and rewarded unquestioning loyalty.
• At least three former analysts refused to spy for Priestman and Mander.
• Coaches and staff were required to participate in mandatory drinking sessions the night before games.
• In February 2023, Priestman complained in a text message seen by The Globe about attendance dropping at these staff socials, known as “Match Day Minus One.”
• Some staffers claimed that inappropriate items were thrown at them during these events. Others said they were asked inappropriate questions.
• Three former staffers said Mander berated them and left them in tears after being scolded in private meetings.

Canada Soccer response

Spokesperson Paulo Senra told The Globe in a statement that the organization has introduced reforms and shouldn’t be defined by the actions of individuals who are no longer involved with it.

“New leadership and a full commitment to excellence with integrity, transparency, and accountability in every area of operations and governance will continue to renew the public trust,” the statement reads.

Allison Forsyth, a former Olympian who Soccer Canada turned to as a safe sport consultant in 2023, said in a text message to The Globe that she believes the organization is improving.

“I can share we are working diligently to foster a productive safe culture,” the text message reads.

“Culture is the grey zone of safe sport, but the most important thing.”

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What should I do if I experience harassment or discrimination at work?

If you experience harassment or discrimination from a co-worker or supervisor, document the incidents in writing and report them to the appropriate department at your company (i.e. human resources).

Non-unionized employees in Canada have a right to work in an environment free of harassment and discrimination.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains everything you need to know about workplace harassment on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

It’s illegal for workers to be discriminated against based on protected grounds under provincial and federal human rights legislation.

Examples of protected grounds include:

Your company has a duty to investigate and respond appropriately to allegations of harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

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What should I do if my employer is harassing or discriminating against me?

If your employer is creating, or allows for the creation of, a hostile or toxic work environment, there is a very good chance that you can treat it as a constructive dismissal.

In this situation, the law allows you to quit your job and pursue full severance, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay.

If you believe that you have been constructively dismissed, don’t resign before speaking with an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you secure the compensation that you are owed.

SEE ALSO
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Filing a human rights complaint

In addition to a constructive dismissal claim, you can file a human rights complaint if you experience harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Alberta Human Rights Commission, and B.C. Human Rights Tribunal are examples of organizations that are responsible for dealing with complaints pertaining to their province’s human rights legislation.

Successful human rights complaints can result in compensation for the individual who experienced harassment or discrimination at work.

Can my boss punish me for reporting harassment or discrimination at work?

The short answer is no. Many provinces have legislation in place that gives non-unionized employees the right to report harassment or discrimination at work.

• Example: Your manager constantly insults you because of your age. You inform your employer that you are being harassed by a member of the management team. The company can’t make major changes to your job as punishment, including demoting you, cutting your pay, or increasing your workload. These types of modifications are illegal in Canada.

If your boss disciplines you or threatens to discipline you for asserting your workplace rights, contact our firm immediately.

We can determine if you were the victim of a workplace reprisal.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Changes to your job in Ontario: What employees need to know
• What Albertans need to know about changes to their job
• Changes to your employment in B.C.: Employee rights

My boss is pressuring me to quit after reporting harassment at work, what should I do?

No matter how upset your employer is that you reported harassment or discrimination at work, the company can’t pressure or force you to resign.

If your boss is encouraging you to step down, document their attempts. Keep any letters, emails, or text messages that show how the company is pressuring you to quit your job.

SEE ALSO
• Resigning in Ontario: Employee rights
• What Albertans need to know about resignations
• What workers need to know about resigning in B.C.

Once you have gathered all of the relevant documents, don’t resign before contacting an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

We can tell you if you have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim.

Already resigned?

If you were forced to quit your job for any reason, connect with a member of our team as soon as possible.

In addition to severance pay, you could be owed compensation for any damages associated with the end of your employment.

LEARN MORE
• Employment Law Show: Facts about forced resignations
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Can my employer fire me for reporting harassment or discrimination at work?

No. Since many provinces have legislation in place that gives non-unionized employees the right to report harassment or discrimination at work, it would be seen as retaliation if an individual is fired shortly after doing so.

However, employers in Canada can let staff go for any reason, as long as they are provided full severance pay and the reasons for their dismissal aren’t discriminatory. This is known as a termination without cause.

Boss fired you “for cause”?

Companies can’t terminate non-unionized employees for cause if they report harassment and discrimination at work—meaning no severance package or access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Considered the harshest punishment in an employer’s arsenal, this type of dismissal is reserved for the worst kinds of workplace offences, such as serious insubordination, theft, or assault.

To justify firing you for cause, your boss would have to prove progressive disciplinary measures were applied and that a lesser penalty wouldn’t be suitable, which is very difficult to do.

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Workplace issue? Talk to our team

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C., our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.