At De Bousquet PC, we’re in the business of standing up for what’s right. And recently, we did just that in a big way. Meet Cinderella Tenthorey—a hardworking, experienced executive assistant who turned to us when she faced a toxic and discriminatory workplace. What happened next was a victory not just for her, but for anyone who has ever been treated unfairly at work.
The Problem: A Workplace Poisoned by Discrimination
Imagine this: you start a new job and, within weeks, it becomes clear that the workplace isn’t what it seemed. That’s exactly what happened to Ms. Tenthorey when she joined IMS Incorporated. She was subjected to inappropriate comments and behaviors from the CEO, including remarks like, “I wonder what you will look like in ten years.” Yes, really. Not only was this comment deeply offensive, but it also targeted her age and gender.
The problems didn’t stop there. The CEO routinely referred to younger female staff as “little girls” and gave preferential treatment to them while undermining Ms. Tenthorey’s professionalism and expertise. Despite receiving a pay raise for her excellent performance, she was abruptly terminated. The reason? According to the company, she was “too senior” for their needs—a thinly veiled excuse that the Tribunal agreed was code for age and sex discrimination.
The Fight: Taking a Stand Against Injustice
When Ms. Tenthorey came to us, she felt powerless. She’d been terminated unfairly, dismissed with vague and discriminatory reasoning, and left to pick up the pieces. But she wasn’t alone anymore. At De Bousquet PC, we believed her story and were determined to fight for her.
During the Human Rights Tribunal hearing, we presented compelling evidence that revealed the toxic culture at IMS. The CEO’s behavior, including angry outbursts and inappropriate comments, created what’s known as a “poisoned work environment.” Despite Ms. Tenthorey’s efforts to raise concerns with HR, nothing was done. The Tribunal agreed: IMS had failed her, and her age and gender were central to her mistreatment and termination.
The Victory: Justice for Ms. Tenthorey
After hearing the evidence, the Tribunal sided with Ms. Tenthorey. The decision was clear and decisive: IMS Incorporated had violated her rights under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Here’s what the Tribunal awarded her:
- $13,000 in lost wages, covering the time she was out of work after being unfairly terminated.
- $25,000 for the harm to her dignity, feelings, and self-respect caused by the toxic and discriminatory environment.
These awards send a powerful message: no employer can get away with treating their staff unfairly based on age or gender. And no employee should have to suffer in silence.
Why This Case Matters to You
Ms. Tenthorey’s story isn’t just about one person—it’s about every worker who has ever felt dismissed, disrespected, or discriminated against. This case proves that when employees stand up for their rights, real change can happen. And when you have a team like De Bousquet PC in your corner, you’re never fighting alone.
Workplace discrimination can feel overwhelming, but justice is within reach. If you’re facing unfair treatment at work, we’re here to listen, support, and fight for you—just like we did for Ms. Tenthorey. Because everyone deserves a workplace where they’re valued, respected, and treated with dignity.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today. Together, we’ll make your voice heard.