Published Thursday, April 29, 2021 3:00PM EDT
TORONTO - Physical and sexual abuse of residents was rampant at one of Ontario's major nursing-home chains, and senior managers were at times drunk on the job, a fired company executive alleges in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit.
In his untested claim against Sienna Senior Living, Chris Leedham alleges he was terminated after he raised concerns about the mistreatment of residents.
Leedham, 52, who is seeking $575,000 in various damages, says the situation, compounded by mounting criticism of his performance, took a huge toll on his mental health.
“Sienna chose to actively ignore Mr. Leedham's calls for help, going so far as to tell him to 'stop bringing these issues up,”' the suit alleges. “Sienna terminated Mr. Leedham's employment in whole or in part because he raised concerns.”