Story 106

I worked for the federal government, starting in the 1980's as a summer student.  In the mid 2000's, I worked at a certain branch of the government. I had recently accepted a lower transfer, and after a few months in that position, I realized that a higher position existed but they didn't offer it to me.  I further realized that no First Nation people were in any supervisory or management roles.  I filed a Human Rights Complaint and a few days later I was fired.  

With the assistance of lawyers, I filed a grievance.  Just before arbitration, which took almost a year, I was offered a settlement with an NDA. I accepted the settlement and signed the NDA where I agreed not to work for a certain branch of the government for 10 years .  In my search, I almost secured a job in another branch of the government, but was told my reference check from the previous employer that I had filed the human rights complaint with, had given me an unfavourable reference.  This sent up red flags for the prospective employer because the position I applied for required relationship building with the First Nations, and hence he said they could not offer me a job.  Their reference was in direct violation with the NDA.  When I asked for assistance with the breach, I was told they could not assist me as I was no longer a federal employee.  This breach of the NDA caused me years of harm and loss of income and reputation. Secondly, I was a single mother with 3 young children.  Plus, during this time, my oldest child was diagnosed with a serious disease which required long stays at children's hospital.  There was no recourse for me subsequent to signing the NDA.  However, because of the breach, I have absolutely no problem telling my story.  Secondly, now that branch of the government has First Nations people in all positions, unfortunately It took what happened to me to make positive changes. I now have a new job being self-employed that I am very successful in.