Anglo ex-postie in court

“A landmark case for the rights of Quebec anglos to work in Crown corporations and federal civil service got underway on Monday, even though the plaintiff doesn’t know how he’s going to pay for it. Long time Canada Post employee Alan Greer was fired February 22 after publicizing his employer’s failure to allow him to do his job in English, a right guaranteed under the Official Languages Act. Canada Post has claimed that Greer was dismissed for misconduct, but his many supporters, including 400 Côte St-Luc residents who signed a petition for his reinstatement, believe he was fired for political reasons. His lawyers are seeking his reinstatement, plus $75,000 for “violating his constitutional rights” and for “inconvenience, stress and anxiety,” according to his lawyer Simon Lahaie.

“You rip away the pith and substance of the Official Languages Act by not recognizing his rights, which encompass the right to free speech and opinion,” says Lahaie. The fight for justice isn’t cheap though, as Greer, who has so far been refused Employment Insurance benefits, expects a hefty bill. “Just to start the retainer is $15,000, and we’re expecting the legal bill to reach into the $50,000 to $60,000 range,” says Greer.

So far Alliance Quebec has ponied up just $5,000, plus another $470 raised in donations. The case continues May 22. :

—Kristian Gravenor