Legal Question in Employment Law in Canada

Re: poisoned work environment

Depending on the nature of the "slanderous rumours" and "false statements" would alter your approach.

If the statements have to due with you being in a category protected under human rights legislation (i.e. sexual preference, age, gender or race), then the work place must be kept safe. You do, however, need to bring this to the attention of superiors to give them the chance to rectify the situation.

If the rumours etc. are generally defamatory - you could possibly bring action against the coworkers - but unless you have $60,000 sitting around to pay a lawyer, good luck.

It is better to discuss directly with your superiors what is happening and the false nature of claims made against you. Then, should nothing change, you can always bring a claim for "constructive dismissal" against the employer for effectively "firing you" (demotions, less hours) without actually firing you based on false information.

Good luck.