Insights

When does a babysitter become an employee?

Lutfi Law expert insights featured in The Globe and Mail

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Lutfi Law provides legal services for terminated employees.

Wrongful Dismissal in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Losing your job can be stressful—especially if it happens without warning or without fair compensation. In Ontario, if your employer terminates your employment without just cause and fails to provide proper notice or severance pay, this could be considered wrongful dismissal.

What Should You Do If You’re Dismissed?

  1. Do not sign anything immediately. You may be giving up legal rights.
  2. Consult a lawyer to understand your rights and what compensation you may be owed.

You may have a wrongful dismissal case if:

You were let go shortly after raising concerns about workplace rights (e.g. health and safety, harassment, human rights).

You were fired without cause and given no notice or insufficient severance.

Your employer didn’t follow your employment contract.

You were pressured to resign.

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Human Rights at Work: What Employees Should Know

Every employee in Ontario is protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. This law ensures that all workers are treated with dignity and respect—and protects against discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

What Are Human Rights in the Workplace?

Human rights in the workplace mean that no one can be treated unfairly or differently based on protected grounds such as:

Place of origin

Race

Gender or sex

Disability (physical or mental)

Religion

Age

Sexual orientation

Family or marital status

Gender identity or expression

Ethnic background

What Does Discrimination Look Like?

Discrimination can be direct or subtle. Examples include:

  • Being passed over for a promotion because of your race or gender.
  • Facing negative treatment after disclosing a disability or pregnancy.
  • Not being accommodated when returning from medical leave.
  • Experiencing comments or jokes that target your religion, appearance, or sexual orientation.