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Qulliq sued by two former employees Jeanne Gagnon Northern News Services Published Monday, January 31, 2011
Two former employees who are suing Qulliq Energy Corp. allege there is a culture of conflict, secrecy and general mismanagement at the public power utility company.
Amy Hynes and Sarah Kucera filed separate lawsuits last year, seeking over $1 million combined in damages for alleged breach of contract, constructive dismissal and punitive damages. Phil Hunt, the lawyer representing both women, said his clients are "very, very concerned" about the rights and interests of colleagues still working with QEC. "The allegations in the claims filed by Amy and Sarah are allegations of a poisoned work environment, culture of conflict and secrecy and general mismanagement of the corporation that very, very adversely affected both of them," he said. "And the claims touch, albeit indirectly, on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (and) the Inuit housing obligations." In the statement of claim filed in court, Hynes, who worked as a corporate secretary from February 2003 to January 2010, states her "roles and responsibilities were unilaterally and substantially altered" following the appointment of Peter Mackey as QEC's president. She also alleges she was "increasingly marginalized and excluded from the decision making processes." Hynes is seeking $600,000 in compensation. Kucera worked at QEC as executive assistant to the president and CEO from July 2009 to August 2010. According to the statement of claim filed in court, Kucera alleges she was subject to "significant changes in terms of her duties, responsibilities and reporting structure," changes introduced "unilaterally" by the corporation. She also alleges she found "derogatory comments of a personal and offensive character" handwritten by the director of human resources in her personnel file. Kucera is seeking $444,400 in compensation. Hunt said a court date has yet to be set as pre-trial procedures are under way. Qulliq Energy Corporation would not comment while the lawsuits proceed. Qulliq employed 155 people across Nunavut as of 2008.
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