Mount Royal University in Calgary is looking to challenge a recent ruling by the Alberta Labour Relations Board regarding the dismissal and potential reinstatement of a former tenured professor. The board, an independent body responsible for overseeing labor laws in Alberta, addressed the case involving Frances Widdowson, a controversial academic let go by the university in 2021.
Following an arbitration process, it was determined that while discipline was warranted, the termination of Widdowson’s employment was considered excessive. The arbitrator highlighted her involvement in a social media dispute with colleagues, rather than her contentious views, as the primary issue.
Despite this finding, the arbitrator concluded that Widdowson’s return to the university would be untenable due to ongoing hostility and potential disruption. As an alternative to reinstatement, a monetary settlement was proposed.
Subsequently, the Mount Royal Faculty Association appealed the decision to substitute reinstatement with payment to the labor relations board. In May, the board deemed the arbitrator’s refusal to reinstate Widdowson as “unreasonable,” citing a conflict between her academic freedom and the impact on her employment relationship.
As a result, the case was sent back to the arbitrator for reconsideration. Mount Royal University, on June 3, sought permission to appeal the board’s decision at the Court of Appeal of Alberta. The university argued that the board’s ruling could undermine labor laws and limit arbitrators’ discretion in similar cases.
Widdowson, emphasizing the importance of academic values, expressed readiness to continue the legal battle for reinstatement. Mount Royal University acknowledged the impact of the process on its community but refrained from further comment as the proceedings unfold.