HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission board of inquiry has found a bus mechanic married to an African Nova Scotian woman was subjected to a poisonous work environment riddled with unchecked racial discrimination and harassment.
In a decision released today, independent board chairwoman Lynn Connors says management at the Halifax Transit maintenance yard allowed a bully who made racist statements to run rampant in the workplace.
She cites a number of racist slurs and belittling and threatening behaviour, such as name calling and scrawling hateful speech on a bathroom wall, leaving garbage on a workbench and damaging personal tools.
The finding dates back to a complaint lodged in 2006 by a bus mechanic. She says the complainant — who was married to an African Nova Scotian with Aboriginal band status — and Indigenous and African-Canadian co-workers were persecuted by a bully and his small group of followers.
Connors says the lack of disciplinary action allowed the group to have free rein in the workplace and that Halifax is "vicariously liable" for the actions of its employees given its failure to take adequate steps to create a safe workplace.
Jacques Dube, chief administrative officer for the municipality, issued an apology Tuesday to the complainant and his family.
"While our organization has taken concrete steps to build a culture of diversity and inclusion, we have more to do," he said.
Dube said he is committed to a harassment-free workplace where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
A hearing is set for Monday to discuss the awarding of damages or assignment of mandated training.
