BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - Two former Matheson staffers are suing the township for over $1.8 million, alleging harassment, violations of employment rights and bad-faith conduct.
Former CAO Chris Wray and former clerk-treasurer Cassandra Child are seeking damages for lost wages, benefits and mental distress.
Wray is claiming $176,830 in lost salary plus additional compensation for unpaid overtime, vacation pay and pension benefits. Child is seeking $185,158.20 for lost wages, along with compensation for similar benefits.
Both are also requesting $250,000 each for mental distress, as well as $500,000 in punitive damages.
TimminsToday reached out to Wray and Child for comment but did not receive a response. The Township of Black River-Matheson declined to comment.
The township has yet to file a statement of defence and none of the allegations have been tested in court.
The lawsuit, filed Nov. 18, provides more insight into what Wray and Child allege unfolded behind the scenes at the township over the last couple of years.
During that time there have been labour disruptions, the former council was ousted by the province, a byelection was held and new council members were sworn-in in August.
SEE: Matheson council kicked out of office, here’s what we know so far
RELATED: Three Matheson councillors boycotting meetings to try and force byelection
Wray and Child claim their ordeal began shortly after the township's council approved a contentious budget hike in May 2023.
In February 2024, Wray alleges he was abruptly terminated without cause during a closed council meeting, though he was later reinstated.
Wray and Child say they filed 16 formal complaints with the township over the course of their employment, outlining instances of workplace bullying and harassment, which they argue were not adequately addressed.
Additionally, they allege they were required to work significant overtime, particularly during the CUPE Local 1490 dispute.
Wray estimates he worked more than 500 hours of overtime in 2024, while Child estimates she worked 120 hours during the same period.
In March 2024, Child and Wray hired a lawyer to represent them. The lawsuit says the move was made as a result of Wray’s termination and reinstatement, and the township not properly investigating the Occupational Health and Safety Act complaints.
The lawsuit claims that now-Mayor Dave Dyment orchestrated much of the hostility as part of a broader effort to remove both Wray and Child from their positions.
It claims Dyment filed a false police report accusing Child of fraud and forgery, which they argue are baseless and intended to intimidate and discredit her.
In September, the township initiated a forensic audit targeting Wray and Child.
The lawsuit describes the audit as a "fishing expedition" intended to damage their reputations further, despite no prior audits flagging any issues. The plaintiffs allege that the audit’s scope and intent were widely discussed in the community, compounding their professional and personal reputational harm.
They allege the township ignored multiple harassment complaints involving public disparagement, bullying and safety concerns. Wray claims he was stalked at his home by people associated with the harassment campaign.
Wray and Child also accuse council members and union representatives of targeting them through social media posts, in-person comments and the release of confidential information, which they say damaged their reputations.
In September, Wray and Child were placed on administrative leave without explanation, which they claim was part of a plan to remove them. Despite asking for clarity, they say no reasons were given. Both were dismissed in October.
Following a closed council meeting on Oct. 28, Mayor Dave Dyment confirmed to TimminsToday that Wray and Child’s last day with the municipality was Oct. 24.
SEE: Matheson CAO, clerk no longer with municipality
Wray and Child had not attended council meetings since the new council was sworn in on Aug. 27. Since Sept. 10, chief building official James Lefebvre has been acting as the interim clerk-treasurer.
Wray served as CAO since 2021, while Child served as clerk-treasurer since 2016.
Wray and Child argue that the township’s actions have severely harmed their reputations, making it difficult to find new employment. Wray also claims his consulting business has lost a client due to the controversy.
