Sexism, racism and discrimination; Patricia Jaggernauth Quits CP24 and files human rights complaint against Bell Media

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was truly a sad day in the history of broadcasting in Canada when mainstream media reported that popular Toronto TV personality Patricia Jaggernauth filed a human rights complaint against Bell Media. The news was reported on Friday, October 7^th, 2022, and it sent a shockwave through the media industry. The weather specialist, remote reporter, and co-host of CP24 filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, October 5^th. Her warm bubbly personality made her a well-known reporter on the Toronto scene

In the complaint, Patricia alleges that she experienced a “systemic pattern” of racism, sexism, and discrimination and that she was “treated as a token and a commodity.”  She mentioned that during her eleven years stint with Bell Media, she has been consistently overlooked for promotions and did not earn a living wage. The fact that she was not able to obtain a full-time contract while her White colleagues moved quickly up the corporate ladder showed that racialized workers were not fairly compensated.

Patricia resigned from her position with Bell Media on Tuesday, October 5^th, 2022. She told CBC News about her time at CP24. She states, “I’m the girl living in metro housing that got out. I’m the one that was never supposed to succeed. I knew that I loved people, I loved the community, I loved conversation, and where I was working provided that – but not ever on a contractual basis, always as a fill-in. How come I’m always good enough to fill in but never good enough to invest in?”

She was restricted to working only two days per week and as a fill in for absent colleagues when necessary. They even went further by preventing her from working outside the company for extra supplemental income.

She shared her personal stories on Monday, October 10^th, 2022, in two Instagram reels. She thought she had attained her “dream job, “ but during her over eleven-year career, she was overlooked for promotion. She states, “I received hardly any raises and no promotions or opportunities over my eleven years. CP24 would give me opportunities, filling in for White colleagues, weather and hosting.”

She stated that she only received one raise, which works out to about $14. She asked management many times for a raise, but was denied. The “ toxic” work environment caused many colleagues to take mental health leaves or simply resign. “The environment was terrible for mental health. Even for the most positive.”

In her second Instagram reel, she states, “There remains a severe gender and race wage-gap at CP24. Where are the Black individuals on this show? When a Black person would be present on this show, it was like, filling in. No permanent Black representation on CP24,” she expresses.  She subsequently experienced an emotional breakdown in the video and started to sob. She states, “I am heartbroken to walk away from you, my loyal and supportive viewers.” She mentioned that she ultimately had no other option but to launch the racial discrimination human rights complaint against Bell Media.

A Bell Media spokesperson sent an email to CBC News which reads, “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.”