Calgary Police Service sues former head of HR over 'inappropriate' social media posts
CBC
Calgary's chief of police has filed a lawsuit against the service's former director of human resources, asking a judge to force her to remove "inappropriate social media posts" that, according to the statement of claim, "divulge confidential information about the CPS and its employees."
Angela Whitney served as CPS's director of human resources from 2019 until her resignation in 2021.
Over the last six weeks, Whitney has posted public complaints — on social media and in an interview — about her time with CPS, alleging the service was "rife with harassment, bullying and discrimination."
Police Chief Mark Neufeld is named as plaintiff in the lawsuit "in his capacity as the holder of that office and the legal representative of the CPS and not in any personal capacity."
The allegations faced by Whitney have yet to be tested in court.
The "inappropriate social media posts," say CPS, are in breach of a $60,000 severance agreement Whitney signed when she resigned in 2021.
During her employment in CPS's HR department, Whitney was in possession of sensitive information about the service and its employees.
"Disclosing confidential information about employees engaged in HR processes will have a chilling effect on employees' willingness to trust and participate in HR processes moving forward,'' reads the statement of claim filed with the Court of King's Bench of Alberta last week.
The document outlines details of Whitney's employment, departure and the social media posts.
While on medical leave in June 2021, Whitney asked to leave her job with more than $60,000 in severance, according to the statement of claim.
CPS agreed to the severance, and Whitney signed an agreement that included what the lawsuit describes as a "standard confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses."
"The employee agrees that she has taken, and will in the future continue to take, all appropriate precautions to safeguard such confidential and proprietary information," reads part of the agreement.
"The employee shall not make any public statements including by way of social media or any other form of media statements which may slander, defame or disparage the reputation of the CPS or any of its directors, officers or employees unless required by law."
The agreement was to be in place "indefinitely."
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