Alberta Human Rights Commission dismisses discrimination complaint from former NWP dean

A former dean from Northwestern Polytechnic has had his discrimination complaint dismissed. The complainant was terminated in May 2023 after several months of family and medical leave. After filing a workers’ compensation claim alleging harassment, the dean was ultimately granted benefits related to three demeaning remarks from a co-worker and offered a $40K settlement from NWP. The dean rejected the settlement offer. Alberta Human Rights Commission Member Erika Ringseis found that since the $40K settlement from the polytechnic was a fair and reasonable offer, the dean’s refusal of the settlement justified dismissal under the Alberta Human Rights Act.