Workplace Sexual Harassment

Compensatory Awards – Quebec

Quebec

An award of $5,000 was made to a woman whose manager confided to her repeatedly about his personal life, encouraged her to leave her spouse, made unwelcome comments of her physical appearance and tried to create situations where physical contact with her would be possible all over a period of years1.

A similar award of $7,0002 was made to a woman who was the subject of sexually harassing attitudes, behaviours, insults and reprisals over many months.

As noted, one Quebec decision did allow for $5,000 as a punitive damage award due to the company’s adverse treatment of its workers3. One would expect a severe sexual harassment claim would give rise to a similar award.