A decision by an independent human rights board of inquiry has found that a former employee of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (NSLC) was discriminated against based on her sex (gender and/or pregnancy) and her disability.

Pearl Kelly worked with the NSLC from 1994 until she went off on long-term disability in 2009.

In 2005, after years of positive performance appraisals, Ms. Kelly felt that her sex, pregnancy and mental disability played a role in differential treatment and discrimination.

In her decision, board chair Lynn Connors describes evidence of a sexist attitude in a male dominated managerial work environment which included inappropriate comments, nicknames and allusions to preferential treatment due to her sex when in fact the opposite proved to be true.

Ms. Connors has reserved her decision on damages and/or remedy so that the parties can provide submissions on what would be appropriate.

More information on protected characteristics, protected areas, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the full decision in this case can be found online at humanrights.gov.ns.ca .

Source: Release