Bell Media may face significant legal challenges as former television personality Patricia Jaggernauth’s human rights case moves forward. A confidential report from the Canadian Human Rights Commission suggests her complaint highlights “serious human rights issues that are systemic in nature.”

The commission’s report found a “reasonable basis” to support allegations of pay disparity and racial discrimination by Jaggernauth, a familiar face on CP24. It indicated these issues could be linked to sex, race, colour, or other prohibited grounds of discrimination.

“The complaint raises serious human rights issues that are systemic in nature, involve significant power asymmetries, and potentially long-lasting harms, disproportionately affecting a historically disadvantaged group,” the report states. It emphasizes a “strong public interest” in Jaggernauth’s case. The commission recommends referring the case to the human rights tribunal if it cannot be settled within four months. The decision now rests with the commissioner.

A Bell Media spokesperson said that the company respects the commission’s process and will not publicly comment on the confidential report. “Bell Media takes allegations of any potential discrimination or workplace misconduct very seriously and is committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment,” the spokesperson said.

Jaggernauth, a former weather specialist, remote reporter, and co-host with Bell-owned CP24, first went public with her allegations in 2022. She claimed her salary was significantly lower than her white male colleagues, despite performing similar duties. She said she was “treated as a token and a commodity” during her 11 years with the company.

Her story surfaced amidst scrutiny over Bell’s dismissal of CTV National anchor Lisa LaFlamme. Jaggernauth, of Guyanese and Jamaican descent, said she was denied full-time employment and often worked for weeks without a day off, once landing in the hospital with pneumonia because she felt compelled to prioritize work over health.

Seeing the commission’s report was a “moment of vindication and validation,” Jaggernauth said.

The report cites a 2019 letter from a colleague to the union highlighting pay disparities faced by female hosts, supporting Jaggernauth’s claims. She seeks compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses, but stresses that her fight is about more than money; it’s about systemic change.

Jaggernauth’s lawyer, Kathryn Marshall, noted the commission’s strong endorsement for a public hearing is uncommon. She advocates for transparency in such reports, emphasizing their importance for justice. Marshall and Jaggernauth remain open to discussions with Bell, though they have not yet heard from the company.

Bell has requested an extension to respond, delaying a decision until at least July. Jaggernauth remains resolute, emphasizing that diversity in leadership is not enough without genuine change.