Matthew Vella

The applicant filed a human rights application alleging reprisal and discrimination based on marital status following the termination of her employment.

The respondents requested dismissal on the basis that the applicant had signed a full and final release in exchange for two weeks' pay.

The Tribunal held a preliminary hearing to determine if proceeding would be an abuse of process.

Applying the Pritchard factors, the Tribunal found the applicant understood she was signing a release, received sufficient consideration, and was not subject to economic pressure or duress.

The presence of a security guard outside the meeting room did not constitute duress.

The application was dismissed as an abuse of process.

The applicant, a 98-year-old woman, alleged discrimination on the basis of age and disability against a condominium corporation and property management company due to delays in repairing a unit she intended to move into.

The Tribunal held a summary hearing to determine if the applications had a reasonable prospect of success.

Finding that the applicant provided no evidence linking the repair delays to her age or disability beyond mere speculation, the Tribunal dismissed the applications.

The applicant filed a human rights application alleging sex discrimination in employment, initially seeking $30,000 to $40,000 in damages while self-represented.

After retaining a representative and participating in an unsuccessful mediation, the applicant brought a Request for Order During Proceedings to amend the requested remedy to $100,000.

The respondents objected, arguing the request was untimely and prejudicial.

The Tribunal granted the request, finding that the amendment did not change the nature of the allegations, would not affect the hearing schedule, and caused no clear prejudice to the respondents.