Vanguard Law

08/24/2026

How to respond to a performance improvement plan?

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a structured document that outlines concerns, goals, support, and timelines. It can be a good-faith tool to help you succeed—or a paper trail on the way to ending your employment. Key Ontario context for workers: A PIP isn’t legally required before ter

08/17/2026

Can my boss fire me for any reason?

The short answer No - not for any reason. In Ontario there is no “at‑will” employment. Your employer can end your job without cause , but only if they: give you at least the minimum ESA entitlements (termination notice or pay in lieu — and severance pay if you qualify), and don’t

08/10/2026

Can my boss fire me at any time?

This is general information for workers in Ontario — not legal advice. Short answer Not exactly. In Ontario, most non‑union employees can be let go without cause , but your employer must: follow the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) minimums (notice or termination pay — and sometimes

08/07/2026

Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd.: Ontario Court of Appeal Addresses RSUs and Termination Compensation

The Ontario Court of Appeal has released a closely watched employment-law decision in Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd. , a case involving restricted stock units (“RSUs”), termination rights and compensation following dismissal . The case matters well beyond the technology sector. For executives an...

08/07/2026

Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Termination Clauses in Baker and Wayfair: “At Any Time” Is Not Automatically Fatal

On August 6, 2026, the Ontario Court of Appeal released an important employment-law decision addressing a question that had created significant uncertainty in Ontario: does a termination clause become unenforceable simply because it says an employer may terminate employment “at any time”? In Bak

08/03/2026

On probation at work? You still have rights.

A probation period does not automatically mean your employer can ignore employment laws or treat you unfairly. Before signing, quitting, or accepting a termination, know what protections may apply.

General information only, not legal advice.

08/03/2026

Does Ontario ESA apply when you move?

This post is general info for Vanguard Law clients and readers — not legal advice. TL;DR Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the ESA ) generally protects employees whose work is performed in Ontario . If you work both in and outside Ontario, the ESA can still apply only if the work ou

07/27/2026

Am I exempt from Ontario ESA?

This is general information for Vanguard Law clients and readers, not legal advice. TL;DR The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the ESA ) is the default floor for most Ontario employees. But some workers are outside the ESA entirely , and many others are exempt from specific Parts of the ES

07/20/2026

Ontario Overtime Rules Explained

TL;DR Provincially regulated employees (most Ontario workplaces): Overtime is time-and-a-half after 44 hours in a work week . There’s no daily overtime in Ontario. Federally regulated employees (banks, airlines, telecoms, interprovincial transportation, etc.): 8 hours/day or 40 hours/w

07/13/2026

Federally vs. Provincially Regulated Employees

In Canada, most people in Ontario are governed by provincial employment law (the ESA —Employment Standards Act). A much smaller slice works in sectors governed by the federal Canada Labour Code . Knowing which regime you’re under changes the rules on overtime, leaves, holidays, termination,