A controversy is brewing once again in the Senate of Canada. After more than two years on the job, Darshan Singh, the director of human resources for the Senate administration, was fired "without cause" on December 2, 2015. Sources from within the Senate have said that senators were told he was fired for insubordination, with friction having apparently caused problems since some organizational changes were made at the senior levels of the Senate administration.
Personnel decisions in the Senate are guided by the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets, and Administration, which at the time of the termination without cause, was chaired by The Honourable Senator Leo Housakos, then the Conservative-appointed Speaker of the Senate. The termination occurred on the last day of Senator Housakos' time as Speaker, as he was succeeded the following day by The Honourable Senator George Furey QC as Speaker.
Mr. Singh was the first person of colour to be employed in an executive capacity by the Senate administration, and now there are accusations that his termination without cause are inconsistent with labour rules relating to the federal public service. The Senate, over the past decade, has been heralded as an advocate for ensuring that visible minorities are better represented in positions of leadership.
Source: Former Senate HR head fights for job after being fired 'without cause' (CBC News)
