Board to Consider Gender Discrimination Complaint

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Board to Consider Gender Discrimination Complaint

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Commission has appointed a board of inquiry to consider a complaint of gender discrimination.

Professor Martine Jacquot alleges that she was discriminated against by two Université Sainte Anne professors and the university. She alleges that because she is female she was not given the opportunity to compete for a position for which she was qualified and the position was given to a less qualified male professor. Jacquot also alleges her work was not supported while that of her male peers was and she was treated with particular harshness by the university's male administration.

The complaint was formalized in February 1997. Philip Girard has been appointed as board of inquiry and the hearing is scheduled for June 5 to 8 and June 11 at the Lion's Hall, 289 Church Street, Bridgetown.

Boards of inquiry are the final stage in the human rights complaint process. Although the commission decides if a board will be appointed, the chief judge of the Provincial Court nominates who will chair it. Boards of inquiry are independent, public hearings into complaints of discrimination.