On April 4, 2017, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario released its decision in Dix v The Twenty Theater Company in response to an application whereby a former employee (the “Applicant”) alleged discrimination with respect to employment because of sex, age, disability, and reprisal, against members of the board of directors of the not-for-profit The Twenty Theater Company, in contravention of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Applicant’s allegations were based on inappropriate comments by members of the not-for-profit’s board, and resulted in an award for damages to the Applicant. This case serves as an important reminder to not-for-profit board members that their inappropriate interactions with employees can result in serious consequences to the organization for which they have a fiduciary duty to protect as directors.
For the balance of this Bulletin, please see Charity & NFP Law Bulletin No. 410.