OSMA and its former general manager remain mum on settlement details

Thursday, March 5, 2015

by DAVE PINK

An out-of-court settlement has been reached in the wrongful dismissal suit filed against the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency by its former general manager, Murray Hunt.

The case was to be heard in Guelph small claims court Friday, but both Hunt and Jennifer MacTavish, the marketing agency’s current general manger, confirmed that the matter had been settled a day earlier.

However, both parties are now bound by a non-disclosure agreement, and neither would not discuss the settlement.

“I’m moving on,” was all Hunt would say.

Hunt had been seeking $25,000 compensation from the marketing agency, after its board of directors fired him on June 8, 2012. In its statement to the court, the board had contended that Hunt was fired for cause after he was believed to have circulated an e-mail that was critical of some board members.

Hunt, however, in his statement filed with the court, maintained that his employment reviews up to the time of his dismissal were glowing, and that his e-mail was justified.

The marketing agency, based in Guelph, is a producer operated organization that works to promote and improve the marketing of sheep, lamb and wool products in Ontario. BF