Board to Hear Human Rights Complaint On Mandatory Retirement

An independent human rights board of inquiry will consider a complaint of age discrimination filed by William Talbot against the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 759.

Mr. Talbot alleges that in 2004 he was discriminated against on the basis of his age when he was required to retire from his job at age 65.

The independent board will be chaired by Cynthia Chewter. It will begin hearing testimony at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Day's Inn, 480 Kings Rd., Sydney. The hearing is scheduled to continue until Thursday, Sept. 11.

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.