Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Compensation process unfair: Meredith employees

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2020 08:05 PM
  • Compensation process unfair: Meredith employees

Two women who worked for former senator Don Meredith say the independent process established by the Senate to determine compensation for Meredith's harassment victims is "totally unacceptable" and is re-victimizing them.

The two women spoke to The Canadian Press on condition of anonymity together with their lawyer, Brian Mitchell.

They say they feel they're being bullied by the Senate into taking part in a compensation process they believe is unfair and opaque.

Former Quebec appeals court judge Louise Otis has been hired as an independent evaluator and has been tasked to speak with former employees in Meredith's office and review all materials from two previous investigations into his conduct, including one completed a year ago by the Senate ethics officer.

That lengthy probe found Meredith repeatedly harassed and sexually harassed multiple employees, including with bullying, intimidation, kissing and touching.

Those participating in Otis's evaluation are not allowed to use lawyers, their legal costs won't be covered and Otis' final decisions on compensation will not be binding on the Senate — terms the two challenging the process say are unacceptable and they are refusing to participate.

They are also concerned that when evaluating how much compensation each is entitled to, Otis is not being asked to consider the Senate's duty of care to protect them as employees, which they believe should be a key consideration.

"Without looking at the liability and accepting liability of the Senate for the acts that happened to these victims from the date of their employment with Sen. Meredith to the date hereof is, we suggest, an area that we hope the terms of reference will be amended so that it will be a full review of all damages that have been suffered," Mitchell said on behalf of his clients.

"Secondly, we ask that there be a level playing field established... How can they defend themselves, how can they testify and how can they represent themselves when they don't have the same level playing field of the Senate as an institution?"

In a statement of regret made last month in the Upper Chamber, Sen. Sabi Marwah, the chair of the Senate’s committee on internal economy, budgets and administration, said that Meredith’s actions warrant “an unequivocal condemnation from the Senate and from all senators.”

Meredith resigned from the Senate in 2017. He has not faced any criminal charges.

MORE National ARTICLES

COVID app a help even in limited use: Tam

COVID app a help even in limited use: Tam
Answering criticism that the federal "COVID Alert" app only works on newer smartphones, Dr. Theresa Tam says it's one of many tools in fighting the novel coronavirus.

COVID app a help even in limited use: Tam

Evacuation alert for wildfire near Princeton, B.C.

Evacuation alert for wildfire near Princeton, B.C.
Residents of 43 properties in British Columbia's southern Interior have been told to be ready to leave on short notice as a wildfire flares nearby.

Evacuation alert for wildfire near Princeton, B.C.

Police identify human remains found in fire wreck

Police identify human remains found in fire wreck
Investigators have identified the remains found in a burned-out vehicle taken to a Burnaby, B.C., tow yard last week.

Police identify human remains found in fire wreck

Quebec police watchdog probes death of 29-year-old

Quebec police watchdog probes death of 29-year-old
Quebec's police watchdog is investigating the death of a 29-year-old man who allegedly fell from a balcony after he was arrested for shoplifting.

Quebec police watchdog probes death of 29-year-old

New EI-like benefit to replace CERB: PM

New EI-like benefit to replace CERB: PM
The federal government plans to move as many out-of-work Canadians into the employment insurance system when a key emergency benefit runs out in the fall, and provide an EI-like support for millions who can't qualify under existing rules.

New EI-like benefit to replace CERB: PM

Nightclub worker gets 8 years for sex assaults

Nightclub worker gets 8 years for sex assaults
A former Edmonton nightclub employee convicted of sexually assaulting five women has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Nightclub worker gets 8 years for sex assaults