Board Will Hear Complaint of Disability Discrimination

An independent board of inquiry will hear evidence in a human rights complaint filed by a Lower Sackville woman alleging she lost her job because she developed a heart condition.

Elaine Hall complained to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 2002 that Dr. Patrick Seetharamdoo, operating a general medical practice under the name PAT-TER Limited, gave her secretarial job to another person in May 2002 after her doctor placed her on medical leave. Ms. Hall had developed a medical condition involving her heart for which her doctor prescribed medication and was conducting further tests.

The chair of the independent hearing is Bonita Small. The board of inquiry will begin on Wednesday, March 29, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 224/226 of the Dalhousie Student Union Building, 6136 University Ave., Halifax. The hearing is scheduled to continue on Thursday, March 30 in Room 224/226 and then move to Room 303 on Friday, March 31.

A complaint is referred to an independent board of inquiry when the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission believes a prima facie case of discrimination is made after an investigation by a human rights officer. The chief judge of the provincial court selects a board chair from a roster and the commissioners ratify the nomination. The decision on the complaint is then in the hands of the independent board.

Evidence collected during investigation of a complaint is presented at the hearing by the commission's legal counsel. The complainant and respondent can make submissions and question witnesses. The board chair then decides whether discrimination has occurred.

All parties have a right to appeal decisions of boards of inquiry to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.