Toronto television personality Patricia Jaggernauth has filed a human rights complaint against Bell Media.
After 11 years with the company, the weather specialist on CP24 filed the complaint on Wednesday — one day after handing in her resignation.
She claims she was being passed over for promotions and raises in a work environment that was racist and sexist.
Jaggernauth, a freelancer who is Guyanese and Jamaican, claims white colleagues were allowed to advance in the company while she wasn’t — a situation that was detrimental to her health.
She says at times she had to go weeks without time off to cover for colleagues.
“I almost died doing what I loved because a freelancer can’t say no,” Jaggernauth told the CBC in an exclusive interview. “Every hour is bread, every hour is rent, every hour is that tank of gas.”
Jaggernauth claims Bell has “a systemic pattern” of racism, sexism and discrimination, and in her case she was “treated as a token and a commodity.”
Bell Media released a statement.
“We do not comment on matters involving current or former staff members but can confirm that Bell Media takes allegations of any potential discrimination very seriously and are committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment where employees can thrive,” the company says.
“If a matter is brought to our attention where an employee did not feel adequately supported a process is triggered to review and address when required.”
Jaggernauth’s complaint comes months after Lisa LaFlamme, the veteran anchor of CTV National News, was let go by Bell Media.
After being fired LaFlamme, posted a video saying she was blindsided, shocked and saddened.
There was speculation LaFlamme was let go because she let her hair go grey.
Bell Media put out a statement that the company was going in a new direction with the anchor position.
Omar Sachedina, a man of colour, replaced LaFlamme.
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