Tribunal's finding of sex discrimination upheld, but matter remitted for rehearing on remedy due to procedural unfairness.
The appellant casino appealed a decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario finding it discriminated against the respondent on the basis of sex in a hiring decision for a washroom attendant position.
The Divisional Court upheld the tribunal's finding of prima facie discrimination and its conclusion that the casino failed to establish a bona fide occupational requirement, as it did not prove it canvassed alternatives to its discriminatory practice.
However, the court found the tribunal breached natural justice by failing to allow the casino to present evidence and submissions on the appropriate remedy.
The appeal was allowed in part, and the matter was remitted to a different tribunal member for a rehearing solely on the issue of remedy.
Great Blue Heron Charity Casino v. Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2008 ONSCDC 45003