Claims Process Concluded in City of Leduc Workplace Harassment Class Action Lawsuit

Business Wire

05-05-2025

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Burnett, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (BD&P) announced today that the claims process for the class action lawsuit against The City of Leduc has now concluded. The class action sought damages for women who worked at the City of Leduc between 2002 and 2023 and who had suffered sexual assault, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
155 women who had worked at the City of Leduc came forward and had their claims approved. The total payout to these women was $9,527,500. This remains one of the highest per person payouts in Canadian legal history for workplace sexual misconduct.
On July 4, 2023, the Court of King's Bench approved a settlement to provide compensation to these women. At a hearing on January 31, 2025, the Plaintiffs asked the Court's permission to disclose the total number of claimants and the amounts paid out, the City of Leduc asked the Court not to allow the release of these numbers. On March 31, 2025, the Court dismissed the City of Leduc's request and allowed these numbers to be publicly disclosed.
Over the past 18 months, the parties have also participated in a restorative engagement process to allow women who suffered sexual assault, sexual harassment, and discrimination at the City of Leduc to communicate their experiences to the city's leadership.
On January 24, 2024, the Mayor of Leduc apologized to the women who worked at the City of Leduc.
Former Leduc Firefighter and plaintiff Christa Steele said: "When I started this journey, my goal was simple: to bring the truth to light. Because the truth, above all else, is what brings validation. It's what gives people peace. As we moved forward in the lawsuit we also wanted to ensure that class members would receive compensation they were entitled to as part of the class action. Over the past year, we have worked hard to reach as many women as possible and this has resulted in 155 women making claims and receiving over $9.5 million in settlements. I continue to be amazed at the bravery of all the women that have come forward. We hope these settlements can help with their long process of healing and let them know that they are not alone. Moving forward, we will continue to work and advocate for women to ensure that their voices are heard and to seek transparency and real change. I am grateful that we set a precedent and made history. We left a mark and I am proud of what we accomplished together."
BD&P's lead lawyer in this case, Robert Martz, spoke to these settlements, "Throughout this class action we have been amazed by the strength of the women that have come forward. This continued throughout the settlement process with so many women telling their story and making a claim. We recognize how hard this was for them and the bravery it took. We hope that through these settlements we have helped provide some small measure of recompense for these women."
Spokesperson Interviews
Robert Martz - Partner, BD&P LLP
Case Facts
The City of Leduc was sued in a class action lawsuit for their inaction against, and role in maintaining, sustained and systemic gender-based harassment and discrimination.
Instances of gender-based harassment, discrimination, assault and sexual assault within the Leduc Fire Department was ongoing for approximately 20 years.
Victims have suffered serious mental health and physical harm, PTSD, out-of-pocket expenses, violation of their personal dignity, and loss of income.