A federal tribunal has ordered the Senate to reinstate Darshan Singh, who alleged he was terminated due to racial discrimination during his tenure as the Senate’s human resources director. Singh, the first person of color to join the Senate’s executive team of public servants, claimed he was sidelined by upper management changes that he believed were influenced by racial prejudice.
The Senate dismissed Singh without cause in December 2015, citing a breakdown of confidence and trust, along with Singh’s attitude and behavior towards his supervisor. Singh contended that he was unlawfully treated and believed his termination was in retaliation for raising discrimination allegations that he felt the Senate had not adequately investigated.
A previous informal probe led by Leo Housakos, a Conservative senator at the time, concluded that Singh’s discrimination claims had no merit. However, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board, a quasi-judicial tribunal, noted that the probe did not include discussions with any person of color, including Singh himself.
After an adjudicator initially dismissed Singh’s case in 2021, the Federal Court ordered the tribunal to reconsider the case, highlighting a fundamental oversight in the informal investigation.
In the latest development, Singh, seeking two emails received by Housakos days before his termination, entered into a confidential agreement with the Senate. The tribunal approved the agreement on December 28, reinstating Singh to his position. However, Singh, who had taken a job at the Canadian Coast Guard during the period since his termination, has chosen to remain in his current position.
Singh’s lawyer, Paul Champ, expressed Singh’s sense of vindication and hope that the Senate will strive to be a model employer in the future. The case raises questions about balancing parliamentary privilege with the pursuit of justice and equality.
