Former female firefighter says she is to get official apology for discrimination
HALIFAX — A former firefighter says her 12-year battle against “systemic” gender discrimination has ended with a settlement that will see a public apology issued by the city of Halifax on Monday.
In an interview Tuesday, Liane Tessier released details of an agreement that she says comes after years of complaints about abusive and disrespectful behaviour from her male counterparts.
Tessier, who said other female firefighters have also come forward with concerns, said she hoped the settlement would signal that change is needed, especially in male-dominated professions.
“Gender-based violence is not going to stop because of this apology,” said Tessier. “But hopefully my struggle, the settlement, and the apology will put other employers on notice as well.”