Former CBC host files human rights complaint against CBC

Travis Dhanraj, a former CBC News anchor, has lodged a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

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Travis Dhanraj, a former CBC News anchor, has lodged a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. He alleges that the Crown corporation discriminated against him based on race, forcing him out of his position.

In July, Dhanraj said he was “forced to resign” from the public broadcaster after raising internal concerns about tokenism, editorial bias, and what he described as a culture of exclusion, retaliation, and psychological harm.

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Dhanraj’s complaint alleges he initially “took on the role of host of Canada Tonight because, based on representations made by CBC, he would be the driving force of the show, booking guests, and reflecting the range of opinions, lived experiences and interests of contemporary Canada.”

During his time in the position he “quickly realized that diversity was not a true practice of the CBC and would never be a part of their agenda” and was “met with resistance at every point” when attempting to book guests with differing opinions.

“When Mr. Dhanraj attempted to book guests, particularly conservatives; he was met with resistance,” reads the complaint.

The complaint alleged that after Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman appeared on his show, “he was threatened with discipline, including being pulled off the air.”

The friction between Dhanraj and the CBC over editorial control created a “toxic work environment in which harassment, bullying, and retaliation went unchecked” and ultimately led to his dismissal over the summer.

He also claims the CBC repeatedly “attempted to coerce” him into signing an NDA and “resign under duress while on medical leave.”

Dhanraj’s career in broadcast journalism began at the CBC 20 years ago. He also worked for CP24, CTV News and Global News before returning to the Crown corporation in 2021. Before hosting Canada Tonight, he was a senior parliamentary reporter and co-host of Marketplace.

His CHRC complaint also says he believes his dismissal was tied to an X post he made about then-CBC president Catherine Tait declining to be interviewed on Canada Tonight, which he called “unfortunate.”

Following the post, Dhanraj alleges that CBC began an "intense investigation" against him to find possible violations of its policies and journalistic standards and temporarily removed him from the air.

“There was an internal discussion that the decision to remove him was retaliation against him for the April 2024 tweet, and his past attempts to address the toxic work environment at CBC. Mr. Dhanraj was hauled into disciplinary meetings and was given a written warning clearly designed to silence and demoralize him,” reads the complaint.

Dhanraj also alleges CBC anchors Rosemary Barton and David Cochrane "harassed and bullied" him, which CBC management enabled.

“Dhanraj quickly realized he had been chosen to host Canada Tonight because the CBC expected him to be the "token" brown man,” the complaint adds.

“As such, Mr. Dhanraj requested a DEI Investigation on February 20, 2024, but no such investigation took place. When Mr. Dhanraj met with CBC management in February 2024, he was sidelined. Management accused him of putting up a "crusade" and he was told to "work within the system" rather than challenge it. In other words, he was expected to put his head down and be compliant.”

CBC spokesperson Kerry Kelly told True North that it “can only reiterate in the strongest terms possible that CBC rejects his version of events.”

“We are dismayed by these attacks on our hosts and newsroom leaders. We will vigorously defend against false claims, including allegations of political bias in guest selection,” said Kelly.

Additionally, Kelly said that Dhanraj remains a unionized employee who is on leave.

“His lawyer has been aware for many weeks of what is required for CBC to process his resignation, however, CBC to this date has received no response on the matter,” said Kelly.

Dhanrah’s lawyer, Kathryn Marshall, announced that he has “sued the CBC for discrimination, retaliation and rampant mistreatment” in a post to X on Friday.

“This needs to end. No one should ever be treated this way in the workplace,” wrote Marshall.

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