Mary Jane Wardell claims she was employed by the First Nation for 32 years before being fired and kicked out of the band office without cause
The former director of operations for Thessalon First Nation is suing the Anishinaabe community east of Sault Ste. Marie over claims that she was wrongfully terminated and punted out of the band office — without pay, benefits or reasonable notice — for allegedly “failing to be in line with the directive” of new leadership following band elections in November of last year.
Wardell — who was employed by the First Nation for 32 years prior to her termination — could not be reached for comment. Wardell alleges that a “co-ordinated attack” against her reputation and “future position with the First Nation” unfolded on private social media groups while band elections were taking place Nov. 17, 2023, resulting in “false information about the plaintiff’s family” being disseminated.
When Wardell returned to work at the band office Nov. 22, 2023, she was allegedly given a termination letter. “The plaintiff was not allowed time to pack up and collect her personal belongings and instead was given a box allegedly containing her personal items that had been boxed prior to her arrival.”
Wardell claims an award of punitive and/or aggravated damages is justified, given the “high-handed, outrageous" and “oppressive” conduct allegedly carried out by Thessalon First Nation, which she alleges was a “planned, deliberate and orchestrated to cause damage and/or loss” to her.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
OPP officer in Thessalon shoots man holding 'edged weapon'The province's Special Investigations Unit is probing Friday night's altercation; the man survived the shooting and is now in stable condition at a Sudbury hospital
Read more »
Hospitals in Thessalon, Richards Landing to offer more medical imaging servicesEffective April 2, new services will include ultrasounds one day per week in Thessalon
Read more »
Shortest Ice Road Season on Temagami First NationThis winter, the ice road season on Temagami First Nation was the shortest ever recorded, causing delays and challenges for the community. The warmest winter on record in Canada has raised concerns about the future of winter roads in northern Ontario.
Read more »
Short season on Ontario southern ice road makes First Nation life unpredictableThis winter marked the shortest ice road season anyone can remember on Temagami First Nation.
Read more »
Short season on Ontario southern ice road makes First Nation life unpredictableThe roads are a lifeline for 32 remote First Nations, a way to more easily, and affordably, deliver everything from basic goods to construction materials to be used in summer
Read more »
Short season on Ontario southern ice road makes First Nation life unpredictableThis winter marked the shortest ice road season anyone can remember on Temagami First Nation, with just 11 days when the road connecting the island to the mainland was open.
Read more »