The Immigrant Education Society Layoffs & Severance Pay (2026)

The Immigrant Education Society, a Calgary-based settlement agency that provides free English-language programs for newcomers, eliminated more than 40 positions in March 2026. (Calgary Herald)

Language instructors were mostly affected — and adding pressure to a waitlist for services that already exceeds 2,000 people.

“It’s a very, very big cut…It’s very challenging for the organization, for clients and for our staff,” CEO Sally Zhao said.

“The resources are so limited, and we are really struggling…We really hope some potential donors can step forward.”

If you’re a non-unionized employee at The Immigrant Education Society who’s facing job loss or a restructuring, you’re likely entitled to more than just a “standard” severance offer.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we help workers in Alberta understand their legal protections and ensure they receive their full entitlements under common law.

How Severance Pay Works in Alberta

When a non-unionized worker in Alberta is let go, their severance pay isn’t determined by a single company policy.

Instead, compensation is governed by provincial law and Canadian common law.

Your total severance package is based on:

• Your age and length of service
• The nature of your position and seniority
• Your ability to find comparable employment

Understanding “The Gap” in Severance Offers

There’s often a significant gap between what an employer in Alberta provides in an initial severance offer and what the law actually requires.

It’s common across all industries for initial offers to:

• Focus only on the bare minimums required by the Employment Standards Code (ESC)
• Fail to account for bonuses, commissions, or equity (i.e. RSUs and stock options)
• Include aggressive “signing deadlines” (often 24–72 hours) to encourage quick acceptance

Defining Wrongful Dismissal

A “wrongful dismissal” is a specific legal term. It occurs whenever an employer in Alberta terminates a non-unionized worker without “just cause” but fails to provide the proper amount of severance pay.

This isn’t a reflection of the company’s intent, but rather a calculation of whether the package meets the high standards set by Canadian courts.

If an employment contract’s termination clause is unenforceable, or if a “temporary layoff” is implemented without a prior written agreement, an employee may have a claim for full severance.

Recommended Steps for Immigrant Education Society Staff

If your employment with The Immigrant Education Society has ended:

1. Review your package: Don’t sign any release or severance offer immediately. You’re entitled to a reasonable amount of time to seek legal advice.
2. Use the Severance Pay Calculator: Get an anonymous, instant estimate of your entitlements.
3. Check your compensation: Ensure your offer includes all variable pay, including bonuses and benefits.
4. Seek legal advice: An experienced employment lawyer can ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped over 60,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed, and has earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews across the country.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Alberta. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.