Political offices can be very toxic, employment lawyer says
Posted Oct 27, 2021 1:09 pm.
Last Updated Oct 27, 2021 1:10 pm.
The employment lawyer representing Ariella Kimmel in her lawsuit against the office of Alberta’s premier says political offices can be very toxic at times.
Kimmel recently filed a statement of claim against Jason Kenney’s office, alleging a poisoned workplace that saw staffers endure sexual harassment and high-level officials drinking heavily at Edmonton’s legislature building.
READ MORE: Former UCP staffer files lawsuit against premier’s office, alleges sexual harassment, heavy drinking
Kathryn Marshall says Kimmel’s case shines a light on behaviors that a lot of political staffers have to endure in silence.
"Political offices can sometimes be very toxic."
The employment lawyer Kathryn Marshall is representing Ariella Kimmel, and says this is a case to shine a light on behavior a lot of political staffers have to endure in silence. #abpoli #ableg https://t.co/znpf373WXd pic.twitter.com/hVWk9nQOXo
— Carly Robinson (@CarlyDRobinson) October 27, 2021
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of cases involving political offices and inappropriate conduct,” Marshall said.
She hopes this case will force change.
“It’s about setting an example that this is wrong,” she said.
“I think political offices need to have sexual harassment for all staff and whistleblower protection, because in this case, one of the big issues is that my client was terminated on employment for blowing the whistle on some very wrong behavior that she was witnessed.”
RELATED: Kenney should resign amid toxic workplace lawsuit, former Alberta minster says
Marshall says it takes bravery for people in these situations, like Kimmel’s, to come forward.
“I think for all women [and all Albertans], keep in mind that you have rights, and you have a voice and you’re not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. You just don’t,” she said.
“Everyone has a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Whether they’re in Alberta, whether they look into work in a political office, wherever they work in this country, you have a right to be respected at work, and to not be retaliated against, and to be treated with dignity.”
Marshall explains the next step is for the premier’s office to respond to the statement of claim, which typically happens within about 20 days of the claim being filed.
-with files from Carly Robinson
