Alberta fire department, city, face lawsuit by female firefighters alleging abuse
CTV
A proposed class-action lawsuit against an Alberta city alleges its fire department is systemically discriminating against female firefighters and the abuse is going unchecked by leadership.
A proposed class-action lawsuit against an Alberta city alleges its fire department is systemically discriminating against female firefighters and the abuse is going unchecked by leadership.
The lawsuit has been filed by two female firefighters with the Leduc fire department, south of Edmonton, who claim they were subject to physical and sexual assault, harassment and bullying while on the job.
"The fire department created a system and culture where the abuse of female firefighters was systemic, common and tolerated," reads the statement of claim, filed on Feb. 24.
"Any attempts to report such abuse were suppressed through retaliation, harassment and bullying. This class action seeks redress for these wrongs and to prevent them from ever happening again."
Allegations contained in the statement of claim have not been proven in court. The class action has yet to be certified by a judge.
Leduc City Manager Derek Prohar said in a statement the city is aware of the serious allegations. He declined to provide further comment as the matter is under investigation and now before the courts.
Plaintiff Christa Steele, who started her career with Leduc Fire Services in 2002, alleges incidents of assault and harassment began almost immediately and have continued.
