Former Alexander First Nation chief found liable for sexual harassment spanning nine years
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal determined Kurt Burnstick engaged in sexual harassment of an employee from 2006 to 2015, despite his 2017 criminal acquittal.
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The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has found Kurt Burnstick, former chief of Alexander First Nation located about 55 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, liable for sexually harassing an employee over a nine-year period.
Burnstick was acquitted of criminal charges related to the same complainant in 2017. The tribunal's decision, released July 31, determined he engaged in acts that "constitute the discriminatory practice of sexual harassment."
The employee worked for Alexander First Nation from 2000 to 2016, initially as a contractual researcher on land claims before becoming a permanent employee and assistant to the Treaty Land Entitlement administrator. Her allegations span from 2006, when she said Burnstick, then a band councillor and later chief, began flirting with her and engaging in unwanted physical contact.
According to the tribunal's decision, the alleged behaviour included unsolicited touching, a non-consensual kiss at a Calgary pub, and repeated "belly bumping." She described instances of Burnstick offering financial assistance and inviting her to out-of-town meetings with implied suggestions they could "relax, have drinks and have fun," sometimes conditioning the offer on travel together. The woman estimated between 50 and 100 incidents of unwanted touching between 2006 and 2015.
She also alleged she was required to collect paycheques directly from Burnstick in private settings. The harassment intensified after he was elected chief in 2014, culminating in an October 28, 2015 incident at the band office.
The complainant filed two separate complaints with the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2016. The complaint against Alexander First Nation itself was settled with terms approved by the commission in January 2021. The complaint against Burnstick proceeded to a tribunal hearing.
The facts
Who was found liable for sexual harassment?
Kurt Burnstick, former chief of Alexander First Nation, was found liable by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for sexually harassing an employee.
How long did the harassment span?
The harassment spanned nine years, from 2006 to 2015, according to the tribunal's determination.
When was the tribunal's decision released?
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal released its decision on July 31, 2026.
What happened in Burnstick's criminal case?
Burnstick was acquitted of criminal charges related to the same complainant in 2017, despite the tribunal's later finding of liability.
Where is Alexander First Nation located?
Alexander First Nation is located approximately 55 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
