A recent decision by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is highlighting the importance of plan sponsors’ investigations into suspected cases of benefits fraud, says Stuart Rudner, an employment lawyer and managing partner at Rudner Law.

The tribunal dismissed a discrimination claim by a former Canada Life Assurance Co. employee who was terminated after the insurer alleged she, her husband and her son participated in a benefits fraud scheme. The employee alleged she was discriminated against based on family status, but the tribunal found no breach of the Human Rights Code. When contacted by Benefits Canada, Canada Life declined to comment on the decision.

Read: CLHIA working with........

© Benefits Canada