As I expected — nay, predicted — back in April 2004, Edith Gendron has won her case: the Public Service Labour Relations Board ruled that while Gendron’s leadership of a local separatist group represented a perceived conflict of interest with her job at Canadian Heritage, firing her was an excessive response. She’s been ordered rehired, with two years of back pay.

As a general principle, you shouldn’t be fired for your political activism; it’s interesting to note — while I haven’t seen the ruling — that the PSLRB concluded that her activism could constitute a perceived conflict of interest. There are situations, particularly in the public service, where that might be the case. It’s good to see that it’s not a hanging offence, though.