A Manitoba government worker diagnosed with long COVID and another illness is taking legal action against the province and Canada Life following the denial of her long-term disability claim. The individual, employed by the Manitoba government since 2014 as the manager of the Legislative Assembly’s gift shop, was covered under a group disability plan managed by Canada Life. Despite her diagnosis of long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, which hindered her ability to carry out her regular duties, Canada Life rejected her claim for long-term disability benefits in April 2024.
The plaintiff, aged 52, held a role that involved various responsibilities such as purchasing, supplier meetings, budgeting, administration tasks, sales and deposits, pricing merchandise, packaging products, and loss prevention. The lawsuit asserts that her job was not sedentary, contrary to Canada Life’s assessment that she could perform at a sedentary level. Although a medical review acknowledged the impact of her fatigue on work conditions, Canada Life disregarded recommendations for further assessments by specialists, including a brain MRI and consultation with a neurologist.
The lawsuit alleges that the denial of long-term disability benefits has placed significant financial strain on the plaintiff and exacerbated her health condition, causing extreme stress and anxiety. Seeking redress, the legal action demands the defendants to pay the disability benefits from December 14, 2024, onwards as long as the plaintiff remains incapacitated. Additionally, the lawsuit requests compensation for punitive damages and legal expenses.
While the claims made by the plaintiff remain unverified in court, the defendants, Canada Life and the Manitoba government, have not provided official responses. The plaintiff’s legal representative, Joseph Pollock, has refrained from commenting on the ongoing case. The Manitoba government, acknowledging the lawsuit, has refrained from commenting further due to the matter being subject to legal proceedings. Despite attempts to reach Canada Life Assurance Company for a statement, no response has been received regarding the litigation.