A former human resources manager for CBC North has launched a lawsuit against the national broadcaster, alleging he was driven from a profoundly toxic and discriminatory work environment, which included a designated "crying room" for stressed employees.
Allegations of Systemic Discrimination and a Secret Blacklist
The legal action, filed in the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, further claims that CBC management in its northern operations maintained a confidential "do not hire" list. This list allegedly disproportionately targeted and blacklisted individuals from marginalized communities, including people with disabilities and Indigenous peoples.
Karl Johnston served as the senior specialist in talent acquisition for CBC North in Yellowknife from 2018 until his departure in 2023. His responsibilities encompassed designing HR strategies, advising on operations, and mentoring staff. Johnston contends he was constructively dismissed after enduring a hostile workplace culture that was condoned by the corporation.
The 'Crying Room' That Set the Tone
Johnston's statement of claim describes a shocking introduction to the workplace. Upon arriving for his first day in 2018, he inquired about an empty office next to the newsroom. A CBC HR staff member reportedly laughed and informed him it was the "crying room"—a space where employees would go to weep as a coping mechanism for workplace stress.
"This set the tone for a workplace culture that tolerated and perpetuated toxicity, discrimination, and harassment," the lawsuit alleges. Johnston's lawyer, Kathryn Marshall, stated she had never encountered such a phenomenon in any other workplace, calling it "shocking."
CBC Disputes Claims, Case Proceeds in Court
In response to the allegations, Chuck Thompson, CBC's head of public affairs, said the broadcaster disputes the claims and intends to defend itself vigorously in court. Thompson declined to address specific questions due to the active litigation but noted that Johnston voluntarily resigned on October 27, 2023—a date that differs by ten days from Johnston's account of his departure.
None of the allegations have been proven in court. The lawsuit was initially filed in October 2025, with recent developments bringing it to public attention.
Marshall emphasized that the case raises serious institutional questions about the CBC's internal culture. "My client was trying to speak out. He was trying to blow the whistle and people would come to him with their own stories... and he would try to advocate for them," she said. She described the alleged treatment of her client as "appalling" and indicative of a "very wrong and broken" work environment at the public broadcaster that requires fixing.
