News Release Archive
HUMAN RIGHTS--BOARD OF INQUIRY DECISION ----------------------------------------------------------------- A board of inquiry into the complaint of Maria Black against the Top O' The Cove Restaurant, and one of its owners, David Hampson, has upheld Ms. Black's complaint. Ms. Black made a complaint under the Human Rights Act on Sept. 27, 1993, alleging that she was discriminated against because of her sex (pregnancy) by Mr. Hampson and the restaurant, when she was dismissed from her duties as floor waitress when Hampson learned that she was pregnant. The complaint could not be resolved following an investigation. The matter proceeded to a board of inquiry chaired by Prof. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. Early in the hearing a settlement was reached among the parties. Prof. Turpel-Lafond adjourned the hearing on Oct. 3, 1994, and retained jurisdiction until the terms of the settlement were satisfied by Mr. Hampson. Mr. Hampson defaulted on the terms of the settlement and the board of inquiry was reconvened Sept. 22, 1995. In its decision of Oct. 2, 1995, the board of inquiry found that Mr. Hampson and the Top O' The Cove Restaurant had discriminated against Ms. Black. Ms. Black was awarded damages for lost wages of $30,720, plus interest, and damages for hurt feelings of $8,000, plus interest. Mr. Hampson was ordered to write a letter of apology and a positive letter of reference for Ms. Black. If Hampson fails to provide these within one month of the decision, the award for hurt feelings will increase to $10,000. -30- Contact: May Lui 902-424-4111 trp Oct. 16, 1995