Rachel Doerrie Tells Her Story Of Being Fired By the �Discriminatory' Vancouver Canucks
It was a surprise two months ago when Rachel Doerrie was fired by the Vancouver Canucks organization.
She appeared to be a breakthrough young female voice in an industry overwhelmed by men, and she was an inspiration to many.
Now, after having stayed quiet since her firing, Doerrie has spoken out.
One thing addressed in particular was the workplace discrimination Doerrie felt in relation to her mental illness.
7. In particular, Ms. Doerrie was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome («PTSD») in 2018, with associated panic and anxiety attacks and depression.
8. Ms. Doerrie's mental illness is inextricably tied to her physical disability � namely, a heart condition known as vasovagal syncope and a leaky heart valve, for which she received a diagnosis in 2018, but likely has had since a young age. Ms. Doerrie wears a heart monitor every day in order to manage her heart condition.
9. Of significance to this complaint, when Ms. Doerrie was approached by the Canucks for a job opportunity, she disclosed her mental and physical disability to them in the interview process, including details of «triggers» and how her illnesses presented themselves. In disclosing this information, it was Ms. Doerrie's expectation that if she did move to Vancouver for a job with the Canucks, she would be provided with a safe and healthy work environment, which took her mental and physical disabilities into account. It was important to Ms. Doerrie that this issue be addressed at the outset of any employment relationship, as Ms. Doerrie was considering employment opportunities with multiple NHL teams and she did not wish to commence a new job with a team that would not be respectful, considerate, or accommodating of her health conditions.
8. Ms. Doerrie's mental illness is inextricably tied to her physical disability � namely, a heart condition known as vasovagal syncope and a leaky heart valve, for which she received a diagnosis in 2018, but likely has had since a young age. Ms. Doerrie wears a heart monitor every day in order to manage her heart condition.
9. Of significance to this complaint, when Ms. Doerrie was approached by the Canucks for a job opportunity, she disclosed her mental and physical disability to them in the interview process, including details of «triggers» and how her illnesses presented themselves. In disclosing this information, it was Ms. Doerrie's expectation that if she did move to Vancouver for a job with the Canucks, she would be provided with a safe and healthy work environment, which took her mental and physical disabilities into account. It was important to Ms. Doerrie that this issue be addressed at the outset of any employment relationship, as Ms. Doerrie was considering employment opportunities with multiple NHL teams and she did not wish to commence a new job with a team that would not be respectful, considerate, or accommodating of her health conditions.
Another soloed our assistant general manager Émilie Castonguay.
28. Further, and significantly, in terms of her mental and physical well-being, despite Ms. Doerrie's strong work performance and the praise she had received from her colleagues, Ms. Castonguay told Ms. Doerrie: «I don't know if you have what it takes to do the job, mentally».
43. As a result of this treatment of her by Ms. Castonguay, Ms. Doerrie suffered multiple cardiac episodes and anxiety attacks from September 21 to 25, while in Whistler. Ms. Doerrie was treated by the Canucks' Mental Performance Specialist, Team Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon in response to these episodes.
44. On September 27, 2022, Ms. Doerrie met with the HR department of the Canucks. She told the HR department that Ms. Castonguay had «crossed the line» with the comments that she had made about Ms. Doerrie's mental ability to perform the job. The HR department stated in response that they had been told by Ms. Castonguay that Ms. Doerrie had spoken to the media about her promotion, and said they would look into Ms. Castonguay's comments to Ms. Doerrie about this.
45. A few hours after Ms. Doerrie's discussion with the HR department, Mr. Allvin terminated Ms. Doerrie's employment with the Canucks, based on the information he had received from Ms. Castonguay.
56. It is clear, based on all of the circumstances of this case, that Ms. Doerrie's sex and physical and mental disabilities played a role in the termination of her employment.
43. As a result of this treatment of her by Ms. Castonguay, Ms. Doerrie suffered multiple cardiac episodes and anxiety attacks from September 21 to 25, while in Whistler. Ms. Doerrie was treated by the Canucks' Mental Performance Specialist, Team Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon in response to these episodes.
44. On September 27, 2022, Ms. Doerrie met with the HR department of the Canucks. She told the HR department that Ms. Castonguay had «crossed the line» with the comments that she had made about Ms. Doerrie's mental ability to perform the job. The HR department stated in response that they had been told by Ms. Castonguay that Ms. Doerrie had spoken to the media about her promotion, and said they would look into Ms. Castonguay's comments to Ms. Doerrie about this.
45. A few hours after Ms. Doerrie's discussion with the HR department, Mr. Allvin terminated Ms. Doerrie's employment with the Canucks, based on the information he had received from Ms. Castonguay.
56. It is clear, based on all of the circumstances of this case, that Ms. Doerrie's sex and physical and mental disabilities played a role in the termination of her employment.
This situation is a disaster for the Canucks.
If you would like to read more, here is Doerrie's full statement:
Source: Hockey Feed
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| Yes | 24 | 55.8 % |
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