NLIS 2
September 10, 2001
(Justice)
 

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

The Human Rights Commission reports that a board of inquiry will commence on Tuesday, September 11, into two complaints filed with the commission against Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited.

Betty Randell of Corner Brook filed a complaint with the commission in January alleging discrimination in employment on the basis of age and sex. In her complaint to the commission, Mrs. Randell stated that she had applied for several positions with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited between January 1993 and November 1999. Mrs. Randell, who has an environment engineering technology diploma from the University of Cape Breton and a pulp and paper engineering diploma from the College of the North Atlantic, says she met the hiring standards and passed the aptitude test set by the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited. Mrs. Randell is of the opinion that she had been refused employment on the basis of her age and sex. This complaint was not settled during the investigation and in September 2000, the Human Rights Commission ordered the appointment of a board of inquiry.

Mrs. Randell filed a second complaint with the Human Rights Commission in October 2000 alleging retaliation against Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited. Mrs. Randell had been interviewed for a position on September 19, but was informed, by letter dated October 6, 2000, that her employment application would be put on hold as a result of information contained in the Human Rights Investigation Report. This matter was not resolved during the investigation and on June 18, 2001, the Human Rights Commission ordered the appointment of a board of inquiry.

The hearing into these complaints, which is open to the public, is scheduled to commence at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, at the Glynmill Inn in Corner Brook. Judy Morrow, chief adjudicator, will hear the complaints. Barry Fleming will present the complaints on behalf of the commission.

For further information contact

    Gladys Vivian
    Executive Director
    Human Rights Commission
    P. O. Box 8700
    St. John's, Newfoundland
    A1B 4J6
    Phone: (709) 729-2709
    Toll Free: 1-800-563-5808

2001 09 10                                         11:40 a.m.