STORY 100

In March 2022 I filed a complaint against the local health authority in my province.  I submitted this complaint in good faith, and acting under the provincial public interest disclosure act.  In June 2022, after a 25- year long career as a clinical social worker, I was walked out by security having been terminated for an insubordinate attitude.  Having never received any form of disciplinary action during my long career, my termination was a clear act of reprisal for having been a whistleblower. 

Having followed proper process, as laid out by provincial legislation, my case had been vetted by the office of the Ombudsman. Unfortunately, following my termination it was very clear that my file was being politically managed by internal sources. I was forced into a process that found me profoundly traumatized and fighting an expensive legal battle without the support of any government agencies or institutions that were legislated to protect me. I was made to sign a nondisclosure agreement despite vehement resistance by me.  My attorney, while I believe that he felt he was acting in my best interest, insisted that it was the only solution to have this matter resolved.

My story is painful and complex, like so many other victims. I recently completed psychological testing, and a portion of trauma treatment, whereby both independent clinicians stated that severe impairment is 100% associated with the workplace.

I was forcibly removed from my 30-year commitment to community mental health and addiction services. I was employed as a clinical lead at the time of my dismissal.  Once the most vibrant and innovative centres in the province has seen devastating loss of clinical capacity following the resignation of several senior clinicians, as well as administrative staff.