Exclusive Fired Ceo Launches 1.7 Million Lawsuit Against Group Health

The former president and CEO of Group Health Center — who was fired in February after donating $50 to the “Freedom Convoy” trucker protest in Ottawa — is suing for wrongful termination, according to SooToday. Alex Lambert’s lawsuit seeks more than $1.7 million in lost wages and other damages, including $500,000 for alleged “bad faith” conduct by his former employer, a Sault Ste. Marie’s largest healthcare providers. In his statement, Lambert says he was “shocked” and “blindsided” by the Group Health Center’s decision to fire him over “such a trivial matter.” He also accuses the organization of “humiliating” him in public and putting a “death sentence” on his career. “After Defendant learned that Plaintiff had donated to Freedom Escort, Defendant chose to publicly attack Plaintiff’s personal views and donation preferences, rather than make Plaintiff’s complaint a private matter,” the lawsuit alleges. “Within days, Plaintiff became persona non grata. His reputation was unfairly and unjustifiably tarnished, and his career was shattered.” Lambert was named president and CEO in June 2014, overseeing an organization that serves more than 80,000 patients throughout the Algoma region. His annual salary was $286,000. “[T]Plaintiff’s reputation has been damaged by Defendant,” the suit continues. “The whole town is now aware of his termination and many members of the community no longer wish to be associated with him. It is almost certain that Plaintiff will have to relocate to another jurisdiction to secure re-employment.” Lambert’s statement of claim further alleges that Group Health’s board was well aware of his stance against vaccination mandates dating back to at least 2021, but “tolerated, or at least tolerated, those personal views” because “his work did not interfere as CEO or his work performance’. Lambert “has always acted in the best interests of the Respondent throughout the pandemic, including adopting all protocols related to COVID-19 required by Public Health and/or the Government of Ontario, and in some cases going beyond the mandatory requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Group Health Center,” the lawsuit states. “Accordingly, Plaintiff alleges that it was wholly inappropriate for Defendant to terminate his employment either because of a small donation or because of his personal views on vaccine mandates. Group Health Center denies any wrongdoing, arguing in its defense that the organization treated Lambert “with dignity, respect and good faith.” His employment contract made it clear that he could be fired at any time without cause as long as he was given 12 months notice or pay in lieu of notice. While no dollar amount is specified in the statement of defense, Group Health insists that Lambert received “his contractual rights.” Group Health also denies acting in bad faith, noting that the organization was “careful not to make any public statement” about Lambert’s $50 donation or his comments to the press supporting the trucker protests. “It was the Plaintiff who spoke to two media outlets and publicized his views,” the defense statement said. “Any effect the facts have on Plaintiff’s reputation is due to Plaintiff’s own public statements.” The lawsuit was filed April 4 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. From SooToday, the legal filings provide the clearest picture yet of what happened behind closed doors after Lambert’s donation was publicly disclosed — and after he gave multiple media interviews expressing his opposition to vaccine mandates and his support for “inspiring” and the “pretty cool” convoy of truckers. If nothing else, the court documents are sure to reignite the public debate over whether a top health care executive deserved to be fired for what was supposed to be a private donation. Lambert’s termination drew many strong opinions from both sides. In the end, Group Health’s board decided it had no choice but to cut ties with the organization’s top employee. “[Group Health] felt that it could not continue to employ the Plaintiff in his role as CEO given his poor judgment in making a donation to the “Freedom Deal” and more seriously chose to speak to the media twice about his donation and his opinion on vaccination mandates.” the statement of defense says. Lambert “knew that as the leader of a health care organization, he must support public health guidelines and measures,” the defense filing continues. “[Group Health’s] The board made it clear to Plaintiff on multiple occasions that he was expected to support public health guidelines and measures. [The board] never condoned or condoned Plaintiff’s personal views and certainly did not condone Plaintiff speaking publicly about his views on the Freedom Convoy or mandatory vaccination.” None of the claims have been tested in court. When contacted by SooToday through their attorneys, both Lambert and Group Health declined to comment. The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” entered Ottawa in late January, ostensibly to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border truckers. It quickly evolved into a movement against all pandemic public health measures, including government-mandated lockdowns and mandatory face coverings. Many Canadians rallied behind the cause, braving the freezing temperatures to cheer and wave as the motorcade traveled through their communities. Truckers occupied the core of the capital’s center for more than three weeks, blocking roads and honking their horns incessantly. As the public would soon learn, some of the leaders were known conspiracy theorists and racist, far-right agitators who dreamed of toppling the Trudeau government long before the onset of COVID-19. On February 13, two weeks after the truckers were blocked, a hacker breached the website of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site that was raising millions of dollars in donations for the protesters. The Boston-based company had gone into limbo after GoFundMe shut down its escort fundraiser on Feb. 4, citing its guidelines against “promoting violence and harassment.” Along with freezing GiveSendGo’s website, the hacker obtained and illegally distributed a list of more than 90,000 donors, including names, email addresses and zip codes. Among the entries was Alex Lambert of Sault Ste. Mary. She contributed $50 on Saturday, February 5, the day after the GoFundMe severed its ties to the convoy. Contacted by SooToday on February 15, Lambert confirmed the accuracy of the hacked data. (SooToday did not publish certain personal information, such as zip codes or email addresses, and did not report on Lambert’s donation until it confirmed it was true.) “It’s such an uncomfortable subject, especially considering the genesis of this list,” Lambert said at the time. “I didn’t expect to get this phone call when I gave $50, and I certainly didn’t mention the Group Health Center at all when I made the donation, but here we are.” By then, the city of Ottawa had declared a state of emergency, the Ontario government had won a court order preventing anyone from accessing the cash that GiveSendGo was raising, and the Prime Minister had invoked the federal Emergency Act. “They’re protesting peacefully and I think they’re great, honestly,” Lambert told SooToday, during that initial interview. “I agree with the message. I think it’s time to end vaccine mandates, and I’m glad they’re getting traction on that message.” Still, Lambert acknowledged that the perspective of his donation may raise some concern: A senior executive at a health care organization is backing a protest against public health measures, including vaccination mandates. “It is consistent with my position on vaccine mandates at Group Health,” he said. “We did not mandate vaccinations at Group Health for existing employees. we left it as an option. As it happened, I think about 95 percent of the staff and the doctors made the choice and that’s good for them and I think that’s how it should have worked everywhere.” The next day, Feb. 16, Lambert spoke to a Sault Star reporter, reiterating his support for the truckers — but not all of their tactics, including the constant honking. “I don’t know if I like that term ‘profession,’” he said. “It doesn’t seem that way to me. Seems like a pretty peaceful protest. There are bouncy castles and the whole nine yards.’ Lambert also criticized Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergency Act, which until then he had never invoked. “I think it’s more than unjustified,” he said. “I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” Like the rest of the Sault Ste. Marie, Group Health board members learned of Lambert’s donation from SooToday. According to the defense statement, Lambert did not warn the board about his interview, nor his conversation the next day with the Sault Star. During these interviews, he “neither indicated that his views were his alone nor provided any context to distance himself from [Group Health] and his role as CEO,” the court filing states. “Media appearances led to public criticism and concern that a person opposed to public health measures was the head of a public health organization,” the defense statement said. “Media appearances have also raised questions around the [Group Health Centre’s] opinion of the “Freedom Pact” and its support for…

title: “Exclusive Fired Ceo Launches 1.7 Million Lawsuit Against Group Health Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-01” author: “Jacqueline Stracener”

The former president and CEO of Group Health Center — who was fired in February after donating $50 to the “Freedom Convoy” trucker protest in Ottawa — is suing for wrongful termination, according to SooToday. Alex Lambert’s lawsuit seeks more than $1.7 million in lost wages and other damages, including $500,000 for alleged “bad faith” conduct by his former employer, a Sault Ste. Marie’s largest healthcare providers. In his statement, Lambert says he was “shocked” and “blindsided” by the Group Health Center’s decision to fire him over “such a trivial matter.” He also accuses the organization of “humiliating” him in public and putting a “death sentence” on his career. “After Defendant learned that Plaintiff had donated to Freedom Escort, Defendant chose to publicly attack Plaintiff’s personal views and donation preferences, rather than make Plaintiff’s complaint a private matter,” the lawsuit alleges. “Within days, Plaintiff became persona non grata. His reputation was unfairly and unjustifiably tarnished, and his career was shattered.” Lambert was named president and CEO in June 2014, overseeing an organization that serves more than 80,000 patients throughout the Algoma region. His annual salary was $286,000. “[T]Plaintiff’s reputation has been damaged by Defendant,” the suit continues. “The whole town is now aware of his termination and many members of the community no longer wish to be associated with him. It is almost certain that Plaintiff will have to relocate to another jurisdiction to secure re-employment.” Lambert’s statement of claim further alleges that Group Health’s board was well aware of his stance against vaccination mandates dating back to at least 2021, but “tolerated, or at least tolerated, those personal views” because “his work did not interfere as CEO or his work performance’. Lambert “has always acted in the best interests of the Respondent throughout the pandemic, including adopting all protocols related to COVID-19 required by Public Health and/or the Government of Ontario, and in some cases going beyond the mandatory requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Group Health Center,” the lawsuit states. “Accordingly, Plaintiff alleges that it was wholly inappropriate for Defendant to terminate his employment either because of a small donation or because of his personal views on vaccine mandates. Group Health Center denies any wrongdoing, arguing in its defense that the organization treated Lambert “with dignity, respect and good faith.” His employment contract made it clear that he could be fired at any time without cause as long as he was given 12 months notice or pay in lieu of notice. While no dollar amount is specified in the statement of defense, Group Health insists that Lambert received “his contractual rights.” Group Health also denies acting in bad faith, noting that the organization was “careful not to make any public statement” about Lambert’s $50 donation or his comments to the press supporting the trucker protests. “It was the Plaintiff who spoke to two media outlets and publicized his views,” the defense statement said. “Any effect the facts have on Plaintiff’s reputation is due to Plaintiff’s own public statements.” The lawsuit was filed April 4 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. From SooToday, the legal filings provide the clearest picture yet of what happened behind closed doors after Lambert’s donation was publicly disclosed — and after he gave multiple media interviews expressing his opposition to vaccine mandates and his support for “inspiring” and the “pretty cool” convoy of truckers. If nothing else, the court documents are sure to reignite the public debate over whether a top health care executive deserved to be fired for what was supposed to be a private donation. Lambert’s termination drew many strong opinions from both sides. In the end, Group Health’s board decided it had no choice but to cut ties with the organization’s top employee. “[Group Health] felt that it could not continue to employ the Plaintiff in his role as CEO given his poor judgment in making a donation to the “Freedom Deal” and more seriously chose to speak to the media twice about his donation and his opinion on vaccination mandates.” the statement of defense says. Lambert “knew that as the leader of a health care organization, he must support public health guidelines and measures,” the defense filing continues. “[Group Health’s] The board made it clear to Plaintiff on multiple occasions that he was expected to support public health guidelines and measures. [The board] never condoned or condoned Plaintiff’s personal views and certainly did not condone Plaintiff speaking publicly about his views on the Freedom Convoy or mandatory vaccination.” None of the claims have been tested in court. When contacted by SooToday through their attorneys, both Lambert and Group Health declined to comment. The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” entered Ottawa in late January, ostensibly to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border truckers. It quickly evolved into a movement against all pandemic public health measures, including government-mandated lockdowns and mandatory face coverings. Many Canadians rallied behind the cause, braving the freezing temperatures to cheer and wave as the motorcade traveled through their communities. Truckers occupied the core of the capital’s center for more than three weeks, blocking roads and honking their horns incessantly. As the public would soon learn, some of the leaders were known conspiracy theorists and racist, far-right agitators who dreamed of toppling the Trudeau government long before the onset of COVID-19. On February 13, two weeks after the truckers were blocked, a hacker breached the website of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site that was raising millions of dollars in donations for the protesters. The Boston-based company had gone into limbo after GoFundMe shut down its escort fundraiser on Feb. 4, citing its guidelines against “promoting violence and harassment.” Along with freezing GiveSendGo’s website, the hacker obtained and illegally distributed a list of more than 90,000 donors, including names, email addresses and zip codes. Among the entries was Alex Lambert of Sault Ste. Mary. She contributed $50 on Saturday, February 5, the day after the GoFundMe severed its ties to the convoy. Contacted by SooToday on February 15, Lambert confirmed the accuracy of the hacked data. (SooToday did not publish certain personal information, such as zip codes or email addresses, and did not report on Lambert’s donation until it confirmed it was true.) “It’s such an uncomfortable subject, especially considering the genesis of this list,” Lambert said at the time. “I didn’t expect to get this phone call when I gave $50, and I certainly didn’t mention the Group Health Center at all when I made the donation, but here we are.” By then, the city of Ottawa had declared a state of emergency, the Ontario government had won a court order preventing anyone from accessing the cash that GiveSendGo was raising, and the Prime Minister had invoked the federal Emergency Act. “They’re protesting peacefully and I think they’re great, honestly,” Lambert told SooToday, during that initial interview. “I agree with the message. I think it’s time to end vaccine mandates, and I’m glad they’re getting traction on that message.” Still, Lambert acknowledged that the perspective of his donation may raise some concern: A senior executive at a health care organization is backing a protest against public health measures, including vaccination mandates. “It is consistent with my position on vaccine mandates at Group Health,” he said. “We did not mandate vaccinations at Group Health for existing employees. we left it as an option. As it happened, I think about 95 percent of the staff and the doctors made the choice and that’s good for them and I think that’s how it should have worked everywhere.” The next day, Feb. 16, Lambert spoke to a Sault Star reporter, reiterating his support for the truckers — but not all of their tactics, including the constant honking. “I don’t know if I like that term ‘profession,’” he said. “It doesn’t seem that way to me. Seems like a pretty peaceful protest. There are bouncy castles and the whole nine yards.’ Lambert also criticized Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergency Act, which until then he had never invoked. “I think it’s more than unjustified,” he said. “I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” Like the rest of the Sault Ste. Marie, Group Health board members learned of Lambert’s donation from SooToday. According to the defense statement, Lambert did not warn the board about his interview, nor his conversation the next day with the Sault Star. During these interviews, he “neither indicated that his views were his alone nor provided any context to distance himself from [Group Health] and his role as CEO,” the court filing states. “Media appearances led to public criticism and concern that a person opposed to public health measures was the head of a public health organization,” the defense statement said. “Media appearances have also raised questions around the [Group Health Centre’s] opinion of the “Freedom Pact” and its support for…

title: “Exclusive Fired Ceo Launches 1.7 Million Lawsuit Against Group Health Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-10” author: “Becky Mitchell”

The former president and CEO of Group Health Center — who was fired in February after donating $50 to the “Freedom Convoy” trucker protest in Ottawa — is suing for wrongful termination, according to SooToday. Alex Lambert’s lawsuit seeks more than $1.7 million in lost wages and other damages, including $500,000 for alleged “bad faith” conduct by his former employer, a Sault Ste. Marie’s largest healthcare providers. In his statement, Lambert says he was “shocked” and “blindsided” by the Group Health Center’s decision to fire him over “such a trivial matter.” He also accuses the organization of “humiliating” him in public and putting a “death sentence” on his career. “After Defendant learned that Plaintiff had donated to Freedom Escort, Defendant chose to publicly attack Plaintiff’s personal views and donation preferences, rather than make Plaintiff’s complaint a private matter,” the lawsuit alleges. “Within days, Plaintiff became persona non grata. His reputation was unfairly and unjustifiably tarnished, and his career was shattered.” Lambert was named president and CEO in June 2014, overseeing an organization that serves more than 80,000 patients throughout the Algoma region. His annual salary was $286,000. “[T]Plaintiff’s reputation has been damaged by Defendant,” the suit continues. “The whole town is now aware of his termination and many members of the community no longer wish to be associated with him. It is almost certain that Plaintiff will have to relocate to another jurisdiction to secure re-employment.” Lambert’s statement of claim further alleges that Group Health’s board was well aware of his stance against vaccination mandates dating back to at least 2021, but “tolerated, or at least tolerated, those personal views” because “his work did not interfere as CEO or his work performance’. Lambert “has always acted in the best interests of the Respondent throughout the pandemic, including adopting all protocols related to COVID-19 required by Public Health and/or the Government of Ontario, and in some cases going beyond the mandatory requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Group Health Center,” the lawsuit states. “Accordingly, Plaintiff alleges that it was wholly inappropriate for Defendant to terminate his employment either because of a small donation or because of his personal views on vaccine mandates. Group Health Center denies any wrongdoing, arguing in its defense that the organization treated Lambert “with dignity, respect and good faith.” His employment contract made it clear that he could be fired at any time without cause as long as he was given 12 months notice or pay in lieu of notice. While no dollar amount is specified in the statement of defense, Group Health insists that Lambert received “his contractual rights.” Group Health also denies acting in bad faith, noting that the organization was “careful not to make any public statement” about Lambert’s $50 donation or his comments to the press supporting the trucker protests. “It was the Plaintiff who spoke to two media outlets and publicized his views,” the defense statement said. “Any effect the facts have on Plaintiff’s reputation is due to Plaintiff’s own public statements.” The lawsuit was filed April 4 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. From SooToday, the legal filings provide the clearest picture yet of what happened behind closed doors after Lambert’s donation was publicly disclosed — and after he gave multiple media interviews expressing his opposition to vaccine mandates and his support for “inspiring” and the “pretty cool” convoy of truckers. If nothing else, the court documents are sure to reignite the public debate over whether a top health care executive deserved to be fired for what was supposed to be a private donation. Lambert’s termination drew many strong opinions from both sides. In the end, Group Health’s board decided it had no choice but to cut ties with the organization’s top employee. “[Group Health] felt that it could not continue to employ the Plaintiff in his role as CEO given his poor judgment in making a donation to the “Freedom Deal” and more seriously chose to speak to the media twice about his donation and his opinion on vaccination mandates.” the statement of defense says. Lambert “knew that as the leader of a health care organization, he must support public health guidelines and measures,” the defense filing continues. “[Group Health’s] The board made it clear to Plaintiff on multiple occasions that he was expected to support public health guidelines and measures. [The board] never condoned or condoned Plaintiff’s personal views and certainly did not condone Plaintiff speaking publicly about his views on the Freedom Convoy or mandatory vaccination.” None of the claims have been tested in court. When contacted by SooToday through their attorneys, both Lambert and Group Health declined to comment. The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” entered Ottawa in late January, ostensibly to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border truckers. It quickly evolved into a movement against all pandemic public health measures, including government-mandated lockdowns and mandatory face coverings. Many Canadians rallied behind the cause, braving the freezing temperatures to cheer and wave as the motorcade traveled through their communities. Truckers occupied the core of the capital’s center for more than three weeks, blocking roads and honking their horns incessantly. As the public would soon learn, some of the leaders were known conspiracy theorists and racist, far-right agitators who dreamed of toppling the Trudeau government long before the onset of COVID-19. On February 13, two weeks after the truckers were blocked, a hacker breached the website of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site that was raising millions of dollars in donations for the protesters. The Boston-based company had gone into limbo after GoFundMe shut down its escort fundraiser on Feb. 4, citing its guidelines against “promoting violence and harassment.” Along with freezing GiveSendGo’s website, the hacker obtained and illegally distributed a list of more than 90,000 donors, including names, email addresses and zip codes. Among the entries was Alex Lambert of Sault Ste. Mary. She contributed $50 on Saturday, February 5, the day after the GoFundMe severed its ties to the convoy. Contacted by SooToday on February 15, Lambert confirmed the accuracy of the hacked data. (SooToday did not publish certain personal information, such as zip codes or email addresses, and did not report on Lambert’s donation until it confirmed it was true.) “It’s such an uncomfortable subject, especially considering the genesis of this list,” Lambert said at the time. “I didn’t expect to get this phone call when I gave $50, and I certainly didn’t mention the Group Health Center at all when I made the donation, but here we are.” By then, the city of Ottawa had declared a state of emergency, the Ontario government had won a court order preventing anyone from accessing the cash that GiveSendGo was raising, and the Prime Minister had invoked the federal Emergency Act. “They’re protesting peacefully and I think they’re great, honestly,” Lambert told SooToday, during that initial interview. “I agree with the message. I think it’s time to end vaccine mandates, and I’m glad they’re getting traction on that message.” Still, Lambert acknowledged that the perspective of his donation may raise some concern: A senior executive at a health care organization is backing a protest against public health measures, including vaccination mandates. “It is consistent with my position on vaccine mandates at Group Health,” he said. “We did not mandate vaccinations at Group Health for existing employees. we left it as an option. As it happened, I think about 95 percent of the staff and the doctors made the choice and that’s good for them and I think that’s how it should have worked everywhere.” The next day, Feb. 16, Lambert spoke to a Sault Star reporter, reiterating his support for the truckers — but not all of their tactics, including the constant honking. “I don’t know if I like that term ‘profession,’” he said. “It doesn’t seem that way to me. Seems like a pretty peaceful protest. There are bouncy castles and the whole nine yards.’ Lambert also criticized Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergency Act, which until then he had never invoked. “I think it’s more than unjustified,” he said. “I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” Like the rest of the Sault Ste. Marie, Group Health board members learned of Lambert’s donation from SooToday. According to the defense statement, Lambert did not warn the board about his interview, nor his conversation the next day with the Sault Star. During these interviews, he “neither indicated that his views were his alone nor provided any context to distance himself from [Group Health] and his role as CEO,” the court filing states. “Media appearances led to public criticism and concern that a person opposed to public health measures was the head of a public health organization,” the defense statement said. “Media appearances have also raised questions around the [Group Health Centre’s] opinion of the “Freedom Pact” and its support for…

title: “Exclusive Fired Ceo Launches 1.7 Million Lawsuit Against Group Health Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-28” author: “Joy Lott”

The former president and CEO of Group Health Center — who was fired in February after donating $50 to the “Freedom Convoy” trucker protest in Ottawa — is suing for wrongful termination, according to SooToday. Alex Lambert’s lawsuit seeks more than $1.7 million in lost wages and other damages, including $500,000 for alleged “bad faith” conduct by his former employer, a Sault Ste. Marie’s largest healthcare providers. In his statement, Lambert says he was “shocked” and “blindsided” by the Group Health Center’s decision to fire him over “such a trivial matter.” He also accuses the organization of “humiliating” him in public and putting a “death sentence” on his career. “After Defendant learned that Plaintiff had donated to Freedom Escort, Defendant chose to publicly attack Plaintiff’s personal views and donation preferences, rather than make Plaintiff’s complaint a private matter,” the lawsuit alleges. “Within days, Plaintiff became persona non grata. His reputation was unfairly and unjustifiably tarnished, and his career was shattered.” Lambert was named president and CEO in June 2014, overseeing an organization that serves more than 80,000 patients throughout the Algoma region. His annual salary was $286,000. “[T]Plaintiff’s reputation has been damaged by Defendant,” the suit continues. “The whole town is now aware of his termination and many members of the community no longer wish to be associated with him. It is almost certain that Plaintiff will have to relocate to another jurisdiction to secure re-employment.” Lambert’s statement of claim further alleges that Group Health’s board was well aware of his stance against vaccination mandates dating back to at least 2021, but “tolerated, or at least tolerated, those personal views” because “his work did not interfere as CEO or his work performance’. Lambert “has always acted in the best interests of the Respondent throughout the pandemic, including adopting all protocols related to COVID-19 required by Public Health and/or the Government of Ontario, and in some cases going beyond the mandatory requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Group Health Center,” the lawsuit states. “Accordingly, Plaintiff alleges that it was wholly inappropriate for Defendant to terminate his employment either because of a small donation or because of his personal views on vaccine mandates. Group Health Center denies any wrongdoing, arguing in its defense that the organization treated Lambert “with dignity, respect and good faith.” His employment contract made it clear that he could be fired at any time without cause as long as he was given 12 months notice or pay in lieu of notice. While no dollar amount is specified in the statement of defense, Group Health insists that Lambert received “his contractual rights.” Group Health also denies acting in bad faith, noting that the organization was “careful not to make any public statement” about Lambert’s $50 donation or his comments to the press supporting the trucker protests. “It was the Plaintiff who spoke to two media outlets and publicized his views,” the defense statement said. “Any effect the facts have on Plaintiff’s reputation is due to Plaintiff’s own public statements.” The lawsuit was filed April 4 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. From SooToday, the legal filings provide the clearest picture yet of what happened behind closed doors after Lambert’s donation was publicly disclosed — and after he gave multiple media interviews expressing his opposition to vaccine mandates and his support for “inspiring” and the “pretty cool” convoy of truckers. If nothing else, the court documents are sure to reignite the public debate over whether a top health care executive deserved to be fired for what was supposed to be a private donation. Lambert’s termination drew many strong opinions from both sides. In the end, Group Health’s board decided it had no choice but to cut ties with the organization’s top employee. “[Group Health] felt that it could not continue to employ the Plaintiff in his role as CEO given his poor judgment in making a donation to the “Freedom Deal” and more seriously chose to speak to the media twice about his donation and his opinion on vaccination mandates.” the statement of defense says. Lambert “knew that as the leader of a health care organization, he must support public health guidelines and measures,” the defense filing continues. “[Group Health’s] The board made it clear to Plaintiff on multiple occasions that he was expected to support public health guidelines and measures. [The board] never condoned or condoned Plaintiff’s personal views and certainly did not condone Plaintiff speaking publicly about his views on the Freedom Convoy or mandatory vaccination.” None of the claims have been tested in court. When contacted by SooToday through their attorneys, both Lambert and Group Health declined to comment. The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” entered Ottawa in late January, ostensibly to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border truckers. It quickly evolved into a movement against all pandemic public health measures, including government-mandated lockdowns and mandatory face coverings. Many Canadians rallied behind the cause, braving the freezing temperatures to cheer and wave as the motorcade traveled through their communities. Truckers occupied the core of the capital’s center for more than three weeks, blocking roads and honking their horns incessantly. As the public would soon learn, some of the leaders were known conspiracy theorists and racist, far-right agitators who dreamed of toppling the Trudeau government long before the onset of COVID-19. On February 13, two weeks after the truckers were blocked, a hacker breached the website of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site that was raising millions of dollars in donations for the protesters. The Boston-based company had gone into limbo after GoFundMe shut down its escort fundraiser on Feb. 4, citing its guidelines against “promoting violence and harassment.” Along with freezing GiveSendGo’s website, the hacker obtained and illegally distributed a list of more than 90,000 donors, including names, email addresses and zip codes. Among the entries was Alex Lambert of Sault Ste. Mary. She contributed $50 on Saturday, February 5, the day after the GoFundMe severed its ties to the convoy. Contacted by SooToday on February 15, Lambert confirmed the accuracy of the hacked data. (SooToday did not publish certain personal information, such as zip codes or email addresses, and did not report on Lambert’s donation until it confirmed it was true.) “It’s such an uncomfortable subject, especially considering the genesis of this list,” Lambert said at the time. “I didn’t expect to get this phone call when I gave $50, and I certainly didn’t mention the Group Health Center at all when I made the donation, but here we are.” By then, the city of Ottawa had declared a state of emergency, the Ontario government had won a court order preventing anyone from accessing the cash that GiveSendGo was raising, and the Prime Minister had invoked the federal Emergency Act. “They’re protesting peacefully and I think they’re great, honestly,” Lambert told SooToday, during that initial interview. “I agree with the message. I think it’s time to end vaccine mandates, and I’m glad they’re getting traction on that message.” Still, Lambert acknowledged that the perspective of his donation may raise some concern: A senior executive at a health care organization is backing a protest against public health measures, including vaccination mandates. “It is consistent with my position on vaccine mandates at Group Health,” he said. “We did not mandate vaccinations at Group Health for existing employees. we left it as an option. As it happened, I think about 95 percent of the staff and the doctors made the choice and that’s good for them and I think that’s how it should have worked everywhere.” The next day, Feb. 16, Lambert spoke to a Sault Star reporter, reiterating his support for the truckers — but not all of their tactics, including the constant honking. “I don’t know if I like that term ‘profession,’” he said. “It doesn’t seem that way to me. Seems like a pretty peaceful protest. There are bouncy castles and the whole nine yards.’ Lambert also criticized Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergency Act, which until then he had never invoked. “I think it’s more than unjustified,” he said. “I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” Like the rest of the Sault Ste. Marie, Group Health board members learned of Lambert’s donation from SooToday. According to the defense statement, Lambert did not warn the board about his interview, nor his conversation the next day with the Sault Star. During these interviews, he “neither indicated that his views were his alone nor provided any context to distance himself from [Group Health] and his role as CEO,” the court filing states. “Media appearances led to public criticism and concern that a person opposed to public health measures was the head of a public health organization,” the defense statement said. “Media appearances have also raised questions around the [Group Health Centre’s] opinion of the “Freedom Pact” and its support for…

title: “Exclusive Fired Ceo Launches 1.7 Million Lawsuit Against Group Health Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-02” author: “Margaret Strickland”

The former president and CEO of Group Health Center — who was fired in February after donating $50 to the “Freedom Convoy” trucker protest in Ottawa — is suing for wrongful termination, according to SooToday. Alex Lambert’s lawsuit seeks more than $1.7 million in lost wages and other damages, including $500,000 for alleged “bad faith” conduct by his former employer, a Sault Ste. Marie’s largest healthcare providers. In his statement, Lambert says he was “shocked” and “blindsided” by the Group Health Center’s decision to fire him over “such a trivial matter.” He also accuses the organization of “humiliating” him in public and putting a “death sentence” on his career. “After Defendant learned that Plaintiff had donated to Freedom Escort, Defendant chose to publicly attack Plaintiff’s personal views and donation preferences, rather than make Plaintiff’s complaint a private matter,” the lawsuit alleges. “Within days, Plaintiff became persona non grata. His reputation was unfairly and unjustifiably tarnished, and his career was shattered.” Lambert was named president and CEO in June 2014, overseeing an organization that serves more than 80,000 patients throughout the Algoma region. His annual salary was $286,000. “[T]Plaintiff’s reputation has been damaged by Defendant,” the suit continues. “The whole town is now aware of his termination and many members of the community no longer wish to be associated with him. It is almost certain that Plaintiff will have to relocate to another jurisdiction to secure re-employment.” Lambert’s statement of claim further alleges that Group Health’s board was well aware of his stance against vaccination mandates dating back to at least 2021, but “tolerated, or at least tolerated, those personal views” because “his work did not interfere as CEO or his work performance’. Lambert “has always acted in the best interests of the Respondent throughout the pandemic, including adopting all protocols related to COVID-19 required by Public Health and/or the Government of Ontario, and in some cases going beyond the mandatory requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Group Health Center,” the lawsuit states. “Accordingly, Plaintiff alleges that it was wholly inappropriate for Defendant to terminate his employment either because of a small donation or because of his personal views on vaccine mandates. Group Health Center denies any wrongdoing, arguing in its defense that the organization treated Lambert “with dignity, respect and good faith.” His employment contract made it clear that he could be fired at any time without cause as long as he was given 12 months notice or pay in lieu of notice. While no dollar amount is specified in the statement of defense, Group Health insists that Lambert received “his contractual rights.” Group Health also denies acting in bad faith, noting that the organization was “careful not to make any public statement” about Lambert’s $50 donation or his comments to the press supporting the trucker protests. “It was the Plaintiff who spoke to two media outlets and publicized his views,” the defense statement said. “Any effect the facts have on Plaintiff’s reputation is due to Plaintiff’s own public statements.” The lawsuit was filed April 4 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. From SooToday, the legal filings provide the clearest picture yet of what happened behind closed doors after Lambert’s donation was publicly disclosed — and after he gave multiple media interviews expressing his opposition to vaccine mandates and his support for “inspiring” and the “pretty cool” convoy of truckers. If nothing else, the court documents are sure to reignite the public debate over whether a top health care executive deserved to be fired for what was supposed to be a private donation. Lambert’s termination drew many strong opinions from both sides. In the end, Group Health’s board decided it had no choice but to cut ties with the organization’s top employee. “[Group Health] felt that it could not continue to employ the Plaintiff in his role as CEO given his poor judgment in making a donation to the “Freedom Deal” and more seriously chose to speak to the media twice about his donation and his opinion on vaccination mandates.” the statement of defense says. Lambert “knew that as the leader of a health care organization, he must support public health guidelines and measures,” the defense filing continues. “[Group Health’s] The board made it clear to Plaintiff on multiple occasions that he was expected to support public health guidelines and measures. [The board] never condoned or condoned Plaintiff’s personal views and certainly did not condone Plaintiff speaking publicly about his views on the Freedom Convoy or mandatory vaccination.” None of the claims have been tested in court. When contacted by SooToday through their attorneys, both Lambert and Group Health declined to comment. The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” entered Ottawa in late January, ostensibly to protest COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border truckers. It quickly evolved into a movement against all pandemic public health measures, including government-mandated lockdowns and mandatory face coverings. Many Canadians rallied behind the cause, braving the freezing temperatures to cheer and wave as the motorcade traveled through their communities. Truckers occupied the core of the capital’s center for more than three weeks, blocking roads and honking their horns incessantly. As the public would soon learn, some of the leaders were known conspiracy theorists and racist, far-right agitators who dreamed of toppling the Trudeau government long before the onset of COVID-19. On February 13, two weeks after the truckers were blocked, a hacker breached the website of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site that was raising millions of dollars in donations for the protesters. The Boston-based company had gone into limbo after GoFundMe shut down its escort fundraiser on Feb. 4, citing its guidelines against “promoting violence and harassment.” Along with freezing GiveSendGo’s website, the hacker obtained and illegally distributed a list of more than 90,000 donors, including names, email addresses and zip codes. Among the entries was Alex Lambert of Sault Ste. Mary. She contributed $50 on Saturday, February 5, the day after the GoFundMe severed its ties to the convoy. Contacted by SooToday on February 15, Lambert confirmed the accuracy of the hacked data. (SooToday did not publish certain personal information, such as zip codes or email addresses, and did not report on Lambert’s donation until it confirmed it was true.) “It’s such an uncomfortable subject, especially considering the genesis of this list,” Lambert said at the time. “I didn’t expect to get this phone call when I gave $50, and I certainly didn’t mention the Group Health Center at all when I made the donation, but here we are.” By then, the city of Ottawa had declared a state of emergency, the Ontario government had won a court order preventing anyone from accessing the cash that GiveSendGo was raising, and the Prime Minister had invoked the federal Emergency Act. “They’re protesting peacefully and I think they’re great, honestly,” Lambert told SooToday, during that initial interview. “I agree with the message. I think it’s time to end vaccine mandates, and I’m glad they’re getting traction on that message.” Still, Lambert acknowledged that the perspective of his donation may raise some concern: A senior executive at a health care organization is backing a protest against public health measures, including vaccination mandates. “It is consistent with my position on vaccine mandates at Group Health,” he said. “We did not mandate vaccinations at Group Health for existing employees. we left it as an option. As it happened, I think about 95 percent of the staff and the doctors made the choice and that’s good for them and I think that’s how it should have worked everywhere.” The next day, Feb. 16, Lambert spoke to a Sault Star reporter, reiterating his support for the truckers — but not all of their tactics, including the constant honking. “I don’t know if I like that term ‘profession,’” he said. “It doesn’t seem that way to me. Seems like a pretty peaceful protest. There are bouncy castles and the whole nine yards.’ Lambert also criticized Justin Trudeau’s use of the Emergency Act, which until then he had never invoked. “I think it’s more than unjustified,” he said. “I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” Like the rest of the Sault Ste. Marie, Group Health board members learned of Lambert’s donation from SooToday. According to the defense statement, Lambert did not warn the board about his interview, nor his conversation the next day with the Sault Star. During these interviews, he “neither indicated that his views were his alone nor provided any context to distance himself from [Group Health] and his role as CEO,” the court filing states. “Media appearances led to public criticism and concern that a person opposed to public health measures was the head of a public health organization,” the defense statement said. “Media appearances have also raised questions around the [Group Health Centre’s] opinion of the “Freedom Pact” and its support for…