A B.C. Human Rights Tribunal hearing into an allegation the District of Vanderhoof's former economic development officer was fired because of her friendship with an unsuccessful mayoral candidate will be held over 10 days.
The hearing for Erin Siemens will be held June 20-24, June 28-30 and July 4-5, according to an online posting from the HRT. A location has not yet been determined.
The move comes after HRT chair Bernd Walter rejected an application from the district to dismiss Siemens' application to that body, concluding in part that Siemens' complaint "rises well above speculation or conjecture."
Siemens must still prove her allegations to get a favourable decision from the HRT.
A wrongful dismissal dispute Siemens filed in B.C. Surpeme Court in Vancouver relate to the matter remains before the court. The district has denied the allegations.
Siemens was dismissed roughly three months after the community's current mayor, Gerry Thiessen, was elected in November 2014.
She alleges she was let go after she was seen in the company of a rival candidate for the position despite remaining neutral during the campaign. The district has denied the allegation.
