Occupy protester not fired for activism, employer says

An employer of anOccupy Calgary activist denies hefired the man over his involvement with the protest.

Elric Nielsen was responding to a CBC News story Wednesday in which Marcus Arseneault, who worked at a coffee shop at Mount Royal University, said he received an email from Nielsen dismissing him.

"Due to your involvement in Occupy Calgary we do have to let you go," the alleged message, supplied by Arseneault, said.

But Nielsen, a manager with the schools food services company Sodexo, denied sending the email.

And on Thursday he contacted CBC News to reiterate that he never told Arseneault his employment was terminated.

"This employee has been provided with documentation that will clarify this situation and his employment status, should he feel like sharing it," he added.

Company spokesman Jon Kristjanson issued a statement on Thursday saying Sedexo North America hasbecome aware ofthe alleged "termination letter".

"While we are currently looking into this matter, this letter appears to be a hoax and is inaccurate. We confirm no employee has been fired by Sodexo for involvement with Occupy Calgary," Kristjanson said.