Calgary Litigation

01/05/2025

This International Workers' Day, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Calgary employees. Our employment law services cover everything from wrongful dismissal to employment contracts.

12/02/2025

For employees aged 50 and older, searching for a new job can come with unique challenges. Courts in Alberta consider age a significant factor in determining severance entitlements, as older employees may face longer job searches due to changing industry demands, evolving skill requirements, and increased competition from younger, university-educated professionals.

In technical and white-collar industries, staying current with evolving trends can be challenging. In physical or trade-based roles, physical limitations can impact employability. While age is not the sole factor in calculating severance, it can increase the notice period relative to years of service. Instead of the standard 3-4 weeks of notice per year of service, you may be entitled to 6 weeks or more under the common law.

Ensure your severance reflects your circumstances. Before signing any agreement, consult an employment lawyer to understand your entitlements.

04/02/2025

Losing your job is never easy. It’s a stressful and emotional experience, but it’s important to handle it the right way. Once the die has been cast, there is very little you can do to reverse the situation.

The law gives employers significant discretion to terminate for almost any reason, as long as the decision does not involve discrimination.

The day of your termination is not the time to demand explanations, point fingers, or negotiate the terms of your departure. Do not make a bad situation worse.

Here are some Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind if you ever find yourself being let go:

🚫 DO NOT:
• Engage in an argument with your employer or HR representative—it will not change the decision and may only escalate the situation.
• Demand an explanation for your firing—outside of certain cases involving discrimination or allegations of for-cause termination, employers are not obligated to justify their decision.
• Create a scene, refuse to leave, or insist on collecting personal belongings immediately—request a proper process for retrieving your items later if necessary.
• Sign any paperwork on the spot or under pressure—tight deadlines are usually a sign that the offer is not in your best interest.
• Attempt to negotiate a better departure package before speaking to a lawyer—doing so could weaken your position and cost you leverage later on.

✅ DO:
• Stay calm, composed, and professional.
• Keep your comments to a minimum — less is more in these situations.
• Contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible. Even if everything seems straightforward, chances are, there are important considerations you are overlooking.

The termination process is, in some ways, like a traffic stop—the less you say or do, the better. Just like a police officer must follow due process, an employer must terminate in good faith. Let them step on their own toes.

📍 Visit: www.calgarylitigation.com

04/02/2025

⚖️ Terminated for just cause? Courts say—prove it! ⚖️

For-cause terminations are NOT automatic. Employers must meet a high threshold to justify them. Courts demand evidence of serious misconduct—not just incompetence or a single mistake. If you've been dismissed for cause, you may have a strong case for wrongful dismissal, and severance pay.

💼 Visit us at: calgarylitigation.com

03/02/2025

🦆 If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck.

🚨 Think you're not entitled to severance because you're not an employee? Think again!

Not all contractors are truly "independent." If you're economically dependent on one client, you may fall into the dependent contractor category—and be entitled to severance upon termination.

Don’t let labels decide your future. Book a consultation today to protect your rights.

🔗 Visit www.calgarylitigation.com

27/01/2025

🤔 Concerned about your reputation after standing up for your rights? Rest assured, severance negotiations are private, professional, and confidential.

📞 Let’s help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity.

24/01/2025

❓ Raise or Risk?
In Canada, contract changes require "fresh consideration," but new clauses may hurt your severance rights and other entitlements. 🚫 Don’t sign blindly—consult our Calgary legal team for peace of mind.

🌐 Let’s review your contract together.

21/01/2025

January 21 is Lincoln Alexander Day in Canada.

Lincoln Alexander’s historic appointment as Canada’s first Black Minister of Labour reminds us of the power of representation and the importance of advocacy for workers’ rights. His leadership shows us that fairness in the workplace is not just an ideal—it’s essential.

Today, we honor his impact and renew our dedication to promoting fair and inclusive workplaces in Calgary and beyond.

16/01/2025

📢 Recently Terminated? You’re Not Alone.

Even with severance packages or notice, you may still be owed more. Many Alberta employees are entitled to weeks—often months—of pay beyond what they’re offered. Don’t sign anything without speaking to an employment lawyer!

Same Day Phone Consultations.

👉 Learn more: http://www.calgarylitigation.com/wrongful-dismissal

Boutique Civil Litigation Firm in Calgary and surrounding area.

31/10/2023

Recently terminated? Recent increases to the financial jurisdiction of Alberta Small Claims Court benefiting thousands of Albertans.

With a few rare exceptions, most mid-to-large sized employers seldom have your best interests at heart when terminating your employment. To them, your departure represents a potential financial liability. They have been briefed on the law by a team of employment lawyers and will use this knowledge t...

02/03/2023

You've just made it into the office, when your boss brings you into a meeting room, where you find someone from human resources about to deliver you bad news: your company is carrying out layoffs and you're on the list.

10/09/2022

Can My Employer Reduce My Salary In Alberta?

Contact Us For A Free 30-Minute Consultation