The employer had to make the harassment by a supplier cease

A branch manager alleges that she was harassed by the co-owner of a supplier. The latter sent her numerous text messages and emails containing hostile, aggressive, and accusatory remarks. She has also been subject to denigration and intimidation gestures. While acknowledging that the employee was the victim of harassment, the employer alleges that the employee had aggravated the conflict and that he took all reasonable means to make it cease. Since he wanted to complete the ongoing projects with this supplier before putting an end to the business relationship, the employer advised the supplier to cease his behavior and substituted another person to act as his contact person. According to the Court, the situation went beyond a simple conflict between two people. The employee was the victim of harassment and the employer did not take the reasonable means to prevent it and make it cease. The complaint was upheld.

Plouffe et Armoires etc… inc.
2022EXPT-1008, 2022 QCTAT 1290 (DRT), j.a. Véronique Girard