Manitoba Lacrosse Association defends executive director’s dismissal: court filings

The Manitoba Law Courts building is pictured in Winnipeg, Man., in this undated image. (CTV News Winnipeg)

The Manitoba Lacrosse Association is defending its decision to fire its former executive director, denying allegations he was wrongfully dismissed amid claims of harassment and discrimination tied to his mental health.

Matthew Mason, the association’s former executive director, filed a civil lawsuit in March alleging he was wrongfully terminated on Aug. 11, 2025, without proper notice or compensation.

According to the statement of claim, the dismissal came within a week of Mason disclosing mental health challenges to a board member. The filing also alleges he faced repeated harassment from parents of players in the association’s programs beginning in February 2023—including accusations of incompetence, corruption and misuse of funds. The situation escalated in July 2025, the statement of claim says, when an online post falsely accused him of being a pedophile.

In a statement of defence filed late last month, the association denies any wrongdoing and is asking the court to dismiss the claim with costs.

“The [Manitoba Lacrosse Association] denies that the manner of termination was unfair, harsh, reprehensible, malicious, or done in bad faith, and nor does it constitute an independent actionable wrong,” the filing reads.

The two-page statement of defence also argues Mason failed to mitigate his damages and that his employment agreement permitted termination without cause with six weeks’ pay.

Mason, who joined the non-profit in July 2018, is described in his filing as a “dedicated and valuable employee” who was integral to expanding lacrosse across the province. The statement of claim further alleges the association failed to take required steps under workplace safety legislation after Mason raised concerns about the harassment and its toll on his mental health.

A staffing update posted to the association’s website on Aug. 15, 2025, confirmed Mason was no longer with the organization but did not give a reason for the change.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.