The City of Leduc settles a $9.5M class-action lawsuit filed by 155 women over workplace abuse—one of Canada’s highest payouts per claimant in such cases.
In a watershed moment for workplace justice, 155 women will receive a combined $9.5 million from the City of Leduc as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement over allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and systemic abuse within city departments. The payout, finalized in July 2023, represents one of the highest per-woman compensations in Canadian legal history, according to Calgary-based law firm Burnet Duckworth & Palmer.
The suit, originally filed in February 2022 by former firefighters Christa Steele and Mindy Smith, exposed a deeply rooted culture of misconduct within Leduc’s municipal operations—most notably within the fire department.
Breaking Silence, Setting Precedents
Steele, speaking to CTV News, emphasized the collective strength of the claimants:
“We made history and we left a mark… I’m happy the city is acknowledging the issue and making critical changes.”
The claimants—many of whom endured years of abuse—are eligible for individual compensation ranging from $10,000 to $265,000. The settlement also provided confidentiality protections for any current or former Leduc employees who wished to come forward during the claims process, which is now closed.
A Fight for Transparency
While the City of Leduc initially resisted revealing the number of claimants and the financial terms, a Calgary judge ruled in April that this information could be made public. The city later confirmed that insurance will cover the settlement costs.
“We didn’t know how many women were out there,” said lawyer Robert Martz, explaining why his firm proceeded with a class-action approach. “We hoped we’d reach as many as possible—and we did.”
Public Apology and Policy Change
In January 2024, Leduc Mayor Bob Young issued a formal public apology for the physical and sexual misconduct experienced by city staff, some cases dating back as far as 2002. The apology was part of the settlement agreement, which also prompted internal reviews and promises of cultural reform.
The city’s fire chief resigned shortly after the lawsuit was first filed, marking a significant shift in accountability.
Broader Impact and Legal Significance
The case is already being seen as a precedent-setting moment in Canadian employment and gender justice law. Beyond financial compensation, legal experts believe it could pave the way for more women to come forward with similar claims in other cities and sectors.
“This case shows that women are not alone,” Martz added. “There is a legal path to justice—and hope.”
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for further developments on workplace accountability, legal reform, and gender justice cases across Canada.
