What Toronto Life readers loved and loathed in our April issue

Battle Royal

Sarah Treleaven’s account of a Bay Street scandal attracted loads of attention from the financial district and beyond. The specifics were compelling enough—two high-ranking employees fired for having what their bosses deemed an “undisclosed close personal relationship” that led to preferential treatment. But the broader story—about workplace surveillance, employee rights and who decides what constitutes a “close” friendship—made it a must-read.

“A reminder that TD isn’t the only bank with problems.” —@plutusofcrete89, X

“A crazy article. What do you mean you were sending your CFO messages that you wish she was in bed next to you yet your relationship was entirely platonic?” —@t4njiro, X

“Interesting article. I can’t help but notice there isn’t a single picture of Mr. Mason yet a prominent one of Ms. Ahn. Maybe the lawyers were right to question your integrity.” —@Callmela8ter, X

“Wow. What a mess. As a physician and psychotherapist, I deal with many individuals who have been harassed, assaulted, bullied or unfairly dismissed at work. In some cases there is just cause for discipline. In many there is not. Too often employees are not given the option to access a lawyer and properly defend themselves. Many companies cover up, lie and protect themselves because, let’s face it, employees are expendable and image is sacrosanct.

“Most victims will run out of either the funds or the emotional fortitude they need to fight back. If the employee does somehow prove their innocence, they are likely to receive a relatively small settlement in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement so that the employer’s secrets are safe, and the harassment of employees continues. The perpetrators are often kept on while the victims, usually women in my experience, are forced out. The victims are judged by members of management who have their own secrets and whose greatest fear is not guilt over their actions but rather being exposed.

“I don’t know Ms. Ahn or Mr. Mason, and I have no idea who is culpable in this case. I do know that, as employees, they deserved a fair opportunity to defend themselves before they were sacked. They are lucky to be wealthy. Most victims aren’t. There should be an affordable way (other than union grievances) for harassed or disciplined employees to have immediate access to a lawyer to defend their innocence and reputation.” —Steve Levinson, Campbellcroft

Marriage Story

Our April feature memoir about one couple’s adventures in ethical non-monogamy delighted as many readers as it dismayed. A representative sampling from both camps:

“Since when does Toronto Life condone hotwifing? Very disappointing, and not exactly the type of article you want lying around for your kids to pick up and read. —T. Smith, Toronto

“Thank you for sharing. My partner and I have been consensually non-monogamous for 30 years, and it has been an amazing journey for both of us as well as the friends we’ve shared it with.” —Marknsusan, Reddit

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