Closing arguments in Pictou Co. human rights case to be heard Monday

The lawyer for Pearl Kelly will complete his closing argument in Kelly’s human rights case against the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. on Monday at the Museum of Industry in Stellarton.

Kelly, a Thorburn mother of three who will turn 43 next week, filed a complaint in 2009 alleging that the corporation had discriminated against her based on gender and a disability — an anxiety disorder linked to stress.

She had managed liquor outlets in New Glasgow and Stellarton for the corporation but has been on medical leave from her $65,000-a-year job since May 27, 2008.

A regional manager for the corporation testified in April that Kelly wasn’t a particularly strong store manager and there isn’t much evidence to support her complaints of discrimination.

After Barry Mason, Kelly’s lawyer, wraps up his argument before the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission board of inquiry Monday, board chairwoman Lynn M. Connors has indicated that she will carefully consider all the evidence over the summer before rendering a decision.

Kelly has said that she will seek unspecified damages in lost wages but her goal is to return to her job.