Court of Kings Bench approves female firefighters settlement in Leduc
Posted July 4, 2023 6:19 pm.
Last Updated July 4, 2023 7:02 pm.
A chapter has closed for Christa Steele and other women who worked for the City of Leduc.
“This is a huge win for women in Alberta and women across Canada,” said Christa Steele, former firefighter and class representative.
During her time as a firefighter, Steele says she experienced sexual assault, harassment and descrimination. A class action lawsuit was filed against the City of Leduc in February 2022.
“This is a two and a half year fight, but even longer because we’ve reported things way long ago. To finally have your voice heard and I guess to have some accountability now, it’s finally a move in the right direction,” said Steele.
Last month, both parties announced the lawsuit had been settled. The proposed settlement agreement went to the Court of King’s Bench Tuesday afternoon, where a judge made it final.
Female Firefighter settlement. (Photo Credit: Rod Maldaner, CityNews)
“It’s emotional, I’m so thankful that she gave us the answer that we wanted. We’ve been fighting for this for two and a half years so this is a huge win for women in Alberta and women across Canada.”
The settlement means any women who worked at the City of Leduc over the past 20 years, who experienced discrimination or harassment is eligible for compensation between $10k and $285k. There will be a confidential claim process, and the Mayor of Leduc will make a public apology.
In a statement, Leduc’s city manager says “This is a significant moment in the history of our city – to reflect on our past, show our support for those harmed and to commit to a better future. The settlement is a critical step towards accountability, healing, and the restoration of trust within our community. Regretfully, we cannot undo the harm of the sexual misconduct that was experienced, but we are committed to learning from the past to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.”
The statement added, “Healing will take time. Rebuilding trust will take time. We will do the necessary work and engage in ongoing conversations to ensure that our city is a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.”
The lawyer representing the plaintiffs says he was amazed watching these women stand up for themselves.
“These are intensively personal and private issues and they stepped up and exposed themselves to scrutiny to get justice for other people, for other women. It wasn’t about them, all the way through this it was to help others,” said Robert Martz, a lawyer with BD&P Law Firm.
Mertz says the non-monetary terms of the settlement took the longest to negotiate, saying they are crucial in order to see changes.
Female Firefighter settlement. (Photo Credit: Rod Maldaner, CityNews)
Women have 12 months to file a claim, which is done through a confidential process. Current and former City of Leduc employees will be notified by mail.
“We’ll send out information to all women so that they can start making claims effectively right away. The process is confidential and simple. They can fill out a form on the class action website or contact us, and we’ll help them through that process and help them make that claim,” said Martz. “They have 12 months starting on August month, so 13 months from today effectively.
“These are intensively personal and private issues and they stepped up and exposed themselves to scrutiny to get justice for other people, for other women. It wasn’t about them, all the way through this it was to help others. And for me, I was always amazed ,and to get to the end of the road with them, it was emotional.”
And while she says it’s a positive step forward, Steele says she will continue advocating for other women.
“This is happening everywhere, it isn’t just happening in our little town so this might empower women to start coming forward, and empower them to be a little more brave, right? And start changing their policies in their departments.”
