Dr. Heather Lotherington

The applicant, an African Canadian employee, alleged discrimination based on race and colour after a senior manager repeatedly referred to his casual day attire as looking 'ghetto'.

The Tribunal found that while the manager may have intended the term to describe an urban style of dress, the word carries a powerful derogatory message associated with the Black community.

The Tribunal concluded that the repeated use of the term in a public workplace setting, despite the applicant's objections, created a poisoned work environment.

The corporate respondent was held vicariously liable, and the applicant was awarded $2,500 for injury to dignity, feelings, and self-respect.