What is wrongful dismissal?
In Ontario, if your employer ends your employment without just cause and fails to give proper notice or pay in lieu of notice, it may be a wrongful dismissal.
What should you do if you are dismissed?
- Do not sign anything immediately. You may be giving up legal rights.
- Keep your own documents: your contract, the termination letter and your pay stubs.
- Speak with a lawyer to understand your rights and what compensation you may be owed.
Signs you may have a claim
- You were let go shortly after raising concerns about workplace rights, such as health and safety, harassment or human rights.
- You were let go without cause and given no notice or too little severance.
- Your employer did not follow your employment contract.
- You were pressured to resign.
Statutory minimums and common-law notice
The Employment Standards Act, 2000 sets minimum notice and, for some employees, severance pay. Depending on your contract, you may be entitled to more under the common law, which looks at factors such as your age, length of service, role and how hard it may be to find similar work.
General information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Book a consultation to talk about yours. Initial consultation free for employment and human rights matters.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Lutfi Law