PRINCE GEORGE -- Northern Health is responding to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by Amy Blanding, a former Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights.
Blanding asserts in court filings that she was terminated in June for expressing support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The case arose after Blanding, also a musician, performed a song at a community concert in Prince George. During a rehearsal, she wore a shirt showing support for Palestinian human rights. After posting the performance on social media, four residents filed a letter of complaint to Northern Health, alleging the song was pro-Hamas and anti-Semitic.
According to her claim, Northern Health demanded she post a statement online to settle the complaint. When she refused, she was demoted, going on leave, and later resigning due to "intolerable and hostile treatment" by Northern Health.
The ongoing civil lawsuit seeks compensation for constructive dismissal, defamation, breach of duty, and punitive damages.
In a response filed on November 12, Northern Health stated they acted in good faith, denying her claims.
They added that although the performance was done on personal time, there were concerns her views would be attributed to the health authority, potentially leading certain religious groups, particularly the Jewish community, to feel alienated within the healthcare system.
The response also stated her contract outlined not to engage in activities that may be seen as offensive. Northern Health maintains they had a right to defend their policies and that the dismissal was justified and followed proper procedure.
The case is being seen before the Vancouver law courts.
None of the claims have been proven.
