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03/01/2001

Human Rights Tribunal to Hear Complaint Against House of Commons

Ottawa – March 1, 2001 – The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal will examine the complaint of an Ottawa man who says the House of Commons terminated his employment because of his race.

Satnam Vaid, of East Indian origin, alleges that the House of Commons discriminated against him on the basis of race, colour and national or ethnic origin by failing to provide a harassment-free work environment and by terminating his employment.

Mr. Vaid was employed as a chauffeur to three successive Speakers of the House of Commons and received excellent reviews. He also claims that Speaker, Gilbert Parent, harassed him, revoked his driving duties, and terminated his employment. The hearings will take place from March 26 to 29 in Ottawa at 473 Albert Street.

Also in March, Tribunal hearings will be held in the following cases:

• In North Bay, a tribunal will look into the complaint of Christine Corbeil alleging that her employer, Pro North Transportation, discriminated against her on the ground of sex by failing to provide her with a harassment-free working environment. Soon after Ms. Corbeil began work at Pro North Transportation in February 1997, an officer of the company began making unwanted sexual advances and crude sexual remarks. In September 1998, on her doctor’s advice, she took sick leave due to stress. She has since quit her job. The hearings will take place from March 19 to 23 at the Best Western North Bay Hotel, Ontario ‘A’ Room, 700 Lakeshore Drive
• In Vancouver, a tribunal will look into the complaint of Patrick Eyerley of Powell River, B.C. alleging that his former employer, Seaspan International Ltd., discriminated against him by failing to accommodate his disability. A deckhand with Seaspan, Mr. Eyerley suffered permanent impairment of his wrist after falling from a rail car, resulting in his taking extensive disability leave. He says his employer laid him off without offering him another position that would accommodate his disability. The hearings will take place from March 19 to 23 at the Residence Inn by Marriott Hotel, Cypress Room, 1234 Hornby Street.
• In Summerside, P.E.I. tribunal hearings will continue in the complaint of Phyllis McAvinn of Borden-Carleton, who alleges that Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd. discriminated against her because of her sex. In April 1997, Ms. McAvinn applied for a position as a bridge patroller with Strait Crossing Bridge. She says that, despite possessing all the qualifications specified for the position, she was not hired because she is a woman. She claims that men less qualified were given employment, and believes that only men were hired as bridge patrollers. The hearings are scheduled for March 5 and 6, 26, 28 and 29 at the Linkletter Inn and Convention Centre, Beattie/Schurman Room, 311 Market Street.
• In St. Catharines, a tribunal will continue looking into the complaint of George Morris alleging that his employer, the Canadian Forces, discriminated against him on the basis of age by refusing to promote him. Mr. Morris, a warrant officer and 33-year veteran of the Forces, says he was not promoted despite receiving high performance evaluations and completing the necessary training course, while the majority of his colleagues who took the same course were promoted. The hearings will take place on March 22 and 23 at the Four Points Sheraton Suites Hotel, Decew Room, 3530 Schmon Parkway.

Hearings start at 9:30 a.m. local time.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal is an independent body responsible for adjudicating complaints referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

The Commission refers a complaint to the Tribunal when it believes further inquiry into a complaint is warranted.

Catherine Barratt
Media and External Relations
(613) 943-9119