'I'm waiting to see the same level of outcry': Patricia Jaggernauth’s Bell Media exit draws comparisons to Lisa LaFlamme
Patricia Jaggernauth, a Toronto television personality and weather specialist, filed a human rights complaint case against Bell Media, alleging racial discrimination and sexism during her 11-year career at CP24.
According to her social media, Jaggernauth identifies as part Guyanese and part Jamaican.
She said she was "treated as a token and a commodity."
"I was not fired, I was not let go or laid off...I have never been on contract," Jaggernauth stated in an Instagram video made in response to the outpouring of support she's received.
The former Bell Media employee filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission last week. The file outlines discrimination based on race, gender and disability by the Toronto-based company. It also alleges dismissing Jaggernauth of any opportunity for a promotion, offering her two days of paid employment per week, and attempting to police her freelancing outside of the company.
"Bell now wants to own her likeness and her career, despite putting her in a position where she cannot earn a living wage despite giving 11 years of her career to the company," the complaint reads.
The complaint alleges an "unsafe and unhealthy work environment," pay disparities and a lack of proper mental health resources.
Many Canadians are saddened to learn how Jaggernauth was treated, and were surprised to find out she wasn't a permanent employee.
I don’t know Patricia Jaggernauth but, speaking as a pro broadcaster, I thought she really added something to an otherwise bland ‘newswheel’ operation where it seems many of the mainstays can’t even speak in cogent sentences. I hope we see her soon in a new environment.
— ℙ𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕊𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕟 (@shurmanator) October 8, 2022
Nuff respect to Patricia Jaggernauth - it is never easy to take on an industry giant, especially one with tremendous media influence and control. Can't wait to hear her story and even if I got to go to the back of the line, I am now a fan who is imagining her handing me her book
— Mykal McKenzie (@jamcanmck) October 10, 2022
Wow. Bell Media taking L after L.
Solidarity to Patricia Jaggernauth for speaking out against a systemically racist, sexist, and outright oppressive corporate media work culture.— AL.Content (@alcontent416) October 7, 2022
I am so surprised Patricia Jaggernauth is a freelancer. She worked at CityTV for eleven years! I am so sadden to read the horrible treatment this woman experienced. For the people saying she playing race card. Race is a factor a lot of bullshit behind the scenes on television.
— OrvilleLloydDouglas🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@OrvilleLloyd) October 8, 2022
Horrible treatment of Patricia Jaggernauth. A decade of working part-time, last-minute fill ins, and looked over for promotion. And can’t work in a similar position elsewhere?
"How come I'm always good enough to fill in but never good enough to invest in?" https://t.co/AtQtgNjBaN— Karen Kavanagh (@KarenQuips) October 9, 2022
A former CP24 colleague also reacted to her experiences, stating, "It's no surprise to those who worked there."
Patricia was one of the best people to work with at CP24. She was always full of energy whenever she walked into the newsroom.
Her story is now being told about the experiences she faced while at Bell Media. It’s no surprise to those who worked there. https://t.co/xoF2BMH9A8— Kris Pangilinan (@KrisReports) October 7, 2022
A few months ago, Bell Media, the same company that owns CP24, terminated TV Anchor Lisa Laflamme's contract after 35 years of service.
every new detail about the lisa laflamme firing is even more infuriating and less surprising than the last. “everyone is replaceable” is one of the tenets of how bell media execs wield their power — racism and sexism are other ones
— Kathleen Newman-Bremang (@KathleenNB) August 20, 2022
Some tweeted that Canadians should rally behind Jaggernauth the same way they rallied for Laflamme.
Okay Canada, time to show some support for @Patricia_J for having the courage and strength to share her story on the disgusting racism she experienced from Bell Media. Remember how we supported Lisa LaFlamme? Let's do the same for Patricia Jaggernauth.
Thank you.— Birgit Uwaila Umaigba 🇳🇬 (@birgitomo) October 8, 2022
Patricia Jaggernauth, a Black woman, was constructively dismissed by Bell Media. I'm waiting to see the same level of outcry that followed Bell Media's termination of the very white Lisa LaFlamme.https://t.co/emO6IlBi3D
— countess megula 🦇 (@the_meghaning) October 8, 2022
In an email to CBC News, a Bell Media spokesperson said, "We do not comment on matters involving current or former staff members, but can confirm that Bell Media takes allegations of any potential discrimination very seriously, and are committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment where employees can thrive.
"If a matter is brought to our attention where an employee did not feel adequately supported, a process is triggered to review and address when required."
