About Us
We believe that every individual deserves to be heard and treated with dignity and respect!
At Buried Complaints, we are dedicated to shedding light on the silenced voices within the Canadian Coast Guard. Our mission is to expose the injustices and systemic issues that lead to ignored complaints, discrimination, and harassment.
Through this platform, we aim to create a community where individuals who have experienced buried complaints can find solace, support, and empowerment. We provide a space to share stories, raise awareness, and advocate for change within the Canadian Coast Guard. Together, we can break the cycle of silence and ensure accountability.
Background
Buried Complaints was founded with a mission to address the pervasive issue of ignored complaints within the Canadian Coast Guard. Our platform aims to provide a space where individuals can share their experiences of discrimination, harassment, and toxic work environments.
Our founder, Dana, personally experienced the detrimental effects of a workplace culture that dismisses complaints and perpetuates discrimination. Her journey within the MCTS office in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, from October 2018 to March 2021 revealed a troubling pattern of gender-based discrimination, exclusion, and a prevailing ‘boys-club’ mentality.
Founders Story
As the driving force behind Buried Complaints, Dana brings a firsthand perspective of the challenges faced by individuals who have endured mistreatment within the Canadian Coast Guard. Her story highlights the intersectionality of discrimination, as she experienced bias based on both her gender and sexual orientation.
From the beginning of her employment, a culture of exclusion and marginalization was evident, with a ‘boys-club’ mentality permeating the workplace. As a gay, middle-aged female, she faced discriminatory treatment from immediate supervisors, the Officer in Charge (OIC), and several co-workers. Instances of discrimination ranged from being denied mentorship and constructive feedback to constant scrutiny and exclusion from workplace interactions.
Her experience was further exacerbated by a supervisor who demonstrated a clear bias against her based on her sexual orientation. Instances of targeted mistreatment, lack of respect, and a hostile work environment became the norm. Despite documenting her concerns and lodging complaints, the response from management, including the OIC, fell short of addressing the issues appropriately.
Driven by a deep sense of injustice, Dana filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, detailing her experiences and providing supporting evidence. She believes that systemic issues of misogyny, racism, and homophobia persist within the MCTS office, with management failing to take effective action and attempting to silence those who dare to speak up.
Through Buried Complaints, Dana aims to provide a platform for individuals like herself to share their stories, bring attention to ignored complaints, and advocate for significant change within the Canadian Coast Guard. By amplifying her voice and the collective experiences of others, she strives to create awareness, drive accountability, and foster an inclusive and equitable work environment for all.
Who are we?
Dana
Dana is dedicated to advocating for those who have faced discrimination and a lack of accountability in their workplaces. She created Buried Complaints to uncover injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire meaningful change in the pursuit of a more equitable working world.
Vickie
Vickie has always been concerned with ensuring that persons interacting with government are treated fairly, transparently, and in accordance with what the law requires. Now retired, this foundational belief grounded her approach and legal practice while she was Legal Counsel with the Department of Justice – Canada.