Ex-director sues lacrosse association, claims wrongful dismissal, unsafe workplace

A former executive director of the Manitoba Lacrosse Association has filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging wrongful termination along with ongoing harassment and discrimination connected to his mental health.

In a statement of claim submitted to Manitoba’s Court of King’s Bench, Matthew Mason says he was dismissed from his position on Aug. 11, 2025 without proper notice or compensation.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, claims that beginning in February 2023, he was subjected to persistent harassment from parents of athletes involved in association programs.

The claim states the harassment included multiple false and damaging accusations, such as allegations that he was incompetent, corrupt and misusing organizational funds.

It further alleges the situation escalated in July 2025 when an online post accused Mason of being a pedophile.

Mason, who joined the non-profit in July 2018, is characterized in the filing as a “dedicated and valuable employee” who helped expand lacrosse across the province.

The lawsuit claims Mason repeatedly informed the association about the incidents and the toll they were taking on his mental health but the organization failed to take adequate steps to maintain a safe and respectful workplace, as required under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

The claim also says Mason spoke with a board member on Aug. 5, 2025 about his mental health and was advised to consider taking a leave of absence. He was fired less than a week later, before he could seek medical advice or decide on next steps.

During the termination meeting, held Aug. 11, board members allegedly told Mason he was “not healthy” and incapable of doing his job. The lawsuit describes the dismissal as carried out in a “harsh, reprehensible and malicious” manner.

The lawsuit also alleges that the association — the governing body for lacrosse in the province, did not accommodate his disability, contrary to the Human Rights Code.

The filing notes that Mason has requested compensation he believes he is owed. His position included an annual salary of $60,000, with potential for performance bonuses of up to $3,000, along with group benefits and four weeks’ annual paid vacation.

“The plaintiff has made demands of the defendant for the amounts owing to him, but the defendant has failed or refused to provide the plaintiff with such amounts,” the lawsuit says.

It further states that losing his job has caused him emotional and psychological harm, along with damage to his dignity and self-respect.

Mason is seeking unspecified damages and a formal ruling that his dismissal was wrongful.

Mason’s departure from the organization was announced on Aug. 15, 2025, but no reason was given.

The association declined a request for comment Friday.

“As this matter is currently before the courts, the Manitoba Lacrosse Association will not be providing comment at this time,” a spokesperson said in an email.

The Free Press has contacted Mason’s lawyer for comment.

The allegations outlined in the lawsuit have not yet been proven in court, and no statement of defence has been filed.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca