December 19, 1997
(Justice)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

The Human Rights Commission releases the decision of Gillian D. Butler, Q.C., adjudicator in the complaint of Michelle Jones of Corner Brook against Rights Futures Project and the Department of Social Services.

Ms. Jones, who was employed as a live-in supervisor responsible for providing personal care in the home, had her employment terminated while she was absent from work because of illness. She filed a complaint with the commission in August 1996 alleging that the termination of her employment constituted discrimination on the basis of mental disability contrary to the provisions of the Human Rights Code.

Gillian Bulter, Q.C. heard the matter in Corner Brook on October 28 and 29, 1997. Her decision was released today. Ms. Butler found that Michelle Jones had been discriminated against on the basis of mental disability and ordered the respondent to compensate her for lost wages from August 15, 1996 (the date which Ms. Jones' doctor was prepared to approve her return to work) to the date of her re-employment in April 1997. Copies of the decision are available from the office of the Human Rights Commission.

Contact:

Gladys Vivian
Executive Director
Human Rights Commission
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's Newfoundland
A1B 4J6
(709) 729-2709 or toll-free 1-800-563-5808