A Manitoba government worker, facing long COVID and another health issue, is taking legal action against both the province and Canada Life after being denied long-term disability benefits. The employee, who managed the Legislative Assembly gift shop and has been with the Manitoba government since 2014, was covered under a group disability plan managed by Canada Life. Despite her medical conditions preventing her from fulfilling her duties, Canada Life rejected her claim, prompting the lawsuit.
The plaintiff, diagnosed with long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, emphasized her inability to work when applying for long-term disability benefits in November 2024. However, Canada Life’s assessment suggested she could still perform sedentary tasks, contrary to the physical demands of her managerial role that involved various responsibilities such as purchasing, budgeting, sales, and merchandise handling.
Despite medical advice highlighting the impact of her symptoms on work conditions, including fatigue triggered by simple activities like lifting arms, the defendants disregarded recommendations for further assessments. The plaintiff’s lawsuit contends that the denial of benefits has caused significant financial strain and exacerbated her health issues, leading to stress and anxiety.
The legal action seeks the court’s intervention to enforce the payment of disability benefits retroactively and ongoing, along with claims for aggravated damages and legal expenses. Allegations of unjust denial of benefits without consideration for the plaintiff’s condition have been made, although the defendants are yet to respond formally in court proceedings.
While the plaintiff’s lawyer refrained from commenting on the case, the Manitoba government acknowledged the claim without providing a statement due to the pending legal dispute. Canada Life Assurance Company, when contacted by CBC News, did not offer any comments regarding the lawsuit.