B.C. theatre to pay $55K to neurodivergent actor in discrimination case
British Columbia's human rights tribunal has awarded a neurodivergent actor, who was diagnosed with sensory and learning disorders, more than $55,000 after finding that a Kelowna theatre company discriminated against him because of his disabilities.
The tribunal reached a decision in the case on May 2, formalizing a financial settlement agreement between the actor, Maurice Kimball, and the Kelowna Actors Studio.
Under the terms of the agreement, the theatre will pay the actor $35,000 for injury to his dignity, feelings, and self-respect; $18,998 for expenses incurred as a result of the discriminatory conduct; and $1,200 for lost wages, plus interest.
Kimball's mother brought the claim to the tribunal on Dec. 15, 2017, when the actor was 14 years old.
Earlier that year, the theatre company hired Kimball to play the lead role in its production of Billy Elliot: The Musical, a role he had performed elsewhere twice before, according to the tribunal's decision.
Kimball attended his first rehearsal for the part in June of that year. But less than three weeks later, his mother received an email from the theatre saying it was terminating the actor's employment.
While the company's reasons for firing the actor are not outlined in the tribunal's decision, tribunal member Andrew Robb wrote that the theatre "acknowledges that it did not meet its legal obligation to accommodate Mr. Kimball’s disabilities up to the point of undue hardship before terminating his employment."
The tribunal did not hold a hearing into the matter because the actor and the studio reached a settlement agreement privately. However, both parties asked the tribunal to enter the facts and remedies of the case into a formal consent order.
As part of that background, both sides agreed that Kimball is an "experienced and accomplished musical theatre and dance performer."
They acknowledged that Kimball had been diagnosed with "certain disabilities that are considered neurodivergent conditions, including sensory processing disorder, central auditory processing disorder," as well as learning disorders related to math, reading and writing.
The tribunal says the discrimination has had a significant impact on the actor's mental health, affecting his future career plans, education and his desire to continue performing.
As part of the consent order, the theatre company agreed to pay the actor $55,198 in remedies and avoid discriminating in similar circumstances in the future.
The tribunal also ordered the Kelowna Actors Studio to implement sensitivity training and education in the workplace and adopt an employment equity program to accommodate those with learning and sensory disabilities in its classes and productions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Drive one of these vehicles? You may pay 37 per cent more than average insurance costs due to thefts
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.
'I'm not wealthy': Ontario senior shocked she owes $40,000 in capital gains after gifting land
An Ontario senior who wanted to help her daughter and grandson eventually own homes one day decided to give them two lots on her property as a gift—but she didn’t know it would eventually cost her tens of thousands of dollars.
NDP want Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
Supreme Court won't hear appeal in Montreal brainwashing experiments case
The Supreme Court of Canada will not review a Quebec ruling that bars people from suing the U.S. government in Canada over its role in notorious brainwashing experiments at a Montreal psychiatric hospital.
Video shows driver in Toronto frantically getting out of car being pushed by truck
A CP24 camera caught the moment a driver frantically got out of her car as it was being dragged by a truck on Avenue Road Wednesday afternoon.
These are the world's 20 best cities for foodies, according to Time Out
Some travellers pick a city break based on the destination’s cultural offerings. Others eye up cities with buzzy nightlife or opt for a destination hosting a festival or event. But for many vacationers, the most exciting part of any trip is the food.
Israeli centrist party proposes vote to dissolve parliament
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz's centrist party proposed on Thursday holding a parliamentary vote on dissolving the parliament, but it was unclear whether he had enough support to bring about an early election.
Exorbitant fees get Gazans out with no help from Ottawa
The comforting sound of giggling grandchildren has chased away the cloud of anxiety that has loomed over Mohammed and Intisar Nofal's home for the past seven months.
Largest vaccine production plant in Canada opens in Toronto
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing the opening of a major vaccine production plant in Toronto today — part of Canada's efforts to build up the domestic biomanufacturing sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.