Liberal MP Gould silent on dismissed human rights complaint

Government House Leader Karina Gould has declined to release records related to a 2015 human rights complaint she filed against her former employer, the Mexican Embassy, citing an inability to get along with co-workers.

Blacklock's Reporter says the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal dismissed the case just weeks before Gould’s election as Liberal MP for Burlington, Ont.

Gould has remained silent on the matter. Her office would not comment on whether she would make the Tribunal records public, and the Mexican Embassy, which sought the case's dismissal, has also declined to discuss the issue.

“We have no comment on Ms. Gould,” a diplomat previously told Blacklock’s Reporter.

Tribunal records show Gould was hired on contract by the Mexican Trade Commission in Toronto to conduct market analysis, promote Mexican products, and attend trade shows.

While Gould’s official biography highlights her work as a "trade and investment specialist" for Mexico, it omits any mention of the complaint or her firing.

The Government of Mexico cited poor performance as the reason for Gould’s termination, a claim she disputed as a “forced resignation due to the toxic work environment.”

Gould alleged she was targeted because of her gender and age.

“She describes a series of incidents which she believes she was targeted by her employer, treated unfairly and falsely accused of inadequate performance of her duties,” wrote the tribunal.

“She alleges the reason for this treatment was her gender and age. Many of the allegations related to the applicant’s involvement in various trade shows.”

Records also indicated Gould faced “inter-office conflicts about job roles and alleged preferential treatment of other employees as compared to her treatment.”

The tribunal ultimately dismissed her complaint on September 2, 2015, while Gould was campaigning for Parliament.

She made no mention of the case during her campaign and went on to defeat Conservative incumbent Mike Wallace by 2,449 votes.

The controversy was first highlighted in 2015 when Gould was appointed parliamentary secretary for international development. At the time, cabinet issued a Guide For Parliamentary Secretaries, which warned appointees to maintain high standards of conduct.

“You are subject to increased public scrutiny and your actions reflect on your reputation, your minister, and the government as a whole,” the guide stated. “You must therefore set an example by satisfying the highest standards of personal conduct in fulfilling your duties.”