Canada’s first federal Accessibility Commissioner, Michael Gottheil, is suing the government and several employees for $2.3 million, alleging constructive dismissal, mental suffering, and discrimination. Appointed in 2022, Gottheil, who is blind and hard of hearing due to Usher Syndrome, faced a workplace investigation into claims of mistreating staff. However, he argues the complaints are linked to his disabilities and the government’s failure to provide proper accommodations. Gottheil also accuses the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) of providing inaccessible documents and ignoring his requests for support, despite the CHRC’s mandate to protect Canadians from such discrimination.
Gottheil’s lawsuit follows an 18-month investigation initiated by the Department of Justice after receiving complaints about his workplace conduct. Although the final report recommended he complete additional training, he was unable to do so due to the inaccessibility of the training materials. Gottheil claims the investigation’s findings were mischaracterized, and he denies the allegations made by his colleagues, labeling them defamatory.
Currently on medical leave, Gottheil is seeking over $1.6 million in damages from the government, along with $600,000 in special damages from individuals involved. The lawsuit also addresses the release of confidential documents to the media, which Gottheil claims damaged his reputation.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the government has declined to release details of the investigation, citing privacy concerns.