One reason for the apparently low range of the awards is that medical evidence was not routinely offered, or at least this was suggested by the Nova Scotia Board of Inquiry. In the same case the Board ordered $3,000 in general damages and $7,000 for punitive damages for reprisal and a further $3,000 for reprisal against the employer due to the actions of its Board. The Court of Appeal set aside the punitive award. The CA distanced itself on the issue of the need for medical evidence.
The complainant was a 33 year old minister who was stalked by a member of the congregation. It had a devastating impact upon her life. The Presbytery did nothing to cause this conduct to cease.
An award of $50,000 was made by the PEI Human Rights Commission in a complaint which was based on gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The complainant had lost her livelihood as her licence to practice her profession was withheld. The events of adverse treatment took place over an extended time period and her reputation was also damaged by the conduct in question. This is certainly an award at the high end of the scale. An award of a past income loss of $425,000 was also made plus a pension sum.
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