TD Insurance Executive Sues After Christian Email Signature Dispute

A former TD Insurance executive is seeking more than $400,000 after being fired following a dispute over a Christian message in her work email signature.

According to a September 29, 2026 report by the National Post, Sonja Denobrega says she was wrongfully dismissed and that her religion and age played a role in her firing.

TD denies discrimination. The company says it dismissed her because she repeatedly refused instructions to follow its email signature policy.

The allegations on both sides have not been proven in court.

What Happened at TD Insurance?

Denobrega, 52, worked as an associate vice-president of underwriting operations, earning approximately $210,000 a year.

The National Post reports that the disagreement began in October 2025, after another employee was told to remove a Christian message from her email signature. Denobrega added “I am HIS ✝️” to her own signature in support of her colleague.

She questioned why TD allowed employees to include personal pronouns but not other expressions of identity.

TD says its rules prohibit personal additions such as quotes, slogans and images, while allowing employees to include pronouns if they choose. The company says Denobrega continued using the message despite repeated instructions to remove it.

She was fired in January 2026.

Denobrega says firing her was too harsh. TD says her refusal to follow its instructions damaged its trust in her as a senior leader.

How Much Is She Seeking?

According to the report, Denobrega is asking for $235,000 in pay and bonuses, based on 12 months’ compensation, plus another $210,000 in damages, including compensation for alleged discrimination.

She had more than 25 years of insurance industry experience but had joined TD only months before the dispute began.

Breaking a Rule Does Not Automatically Mean Losing Your Severance

Employees should not assume they are owed nothing simply because their employer says they were fired “for cause.” That is the term employers use when they say misconduct was serious enough to justify dismissal without notice or severance pay.

Refusing workplace instructions can put your job at risk, especially after warnings. But not every disagreement or broken rule is serious enough to take away your right to severance. What happened, why it happened and your employment history all matter.

Our advice is straightforward: have the dismissal reviewed before accepting that you are owed nothing. Our guide to being fired for insubordination explains your options.

Workplace Rules Must Respect Human Rights

Employers can set standards for workplace communications. Those rules must also respect employees’ human rights.

When a rule conflicts with an employee’s religious beliefs or practices, an employer may need to consider a reasonable adjustment. That does not mean every requested change must be accepted, but “it’s company policy” does not settle the issue on its own.

For employees, the practical step is to explain the concern, ask for a workable solution and get advice before refusing further instructions or resigning.

Short Service Does Not Necessarily Mean a Small Severance Package

Your time with an employer is only one part of the picture. Your age, position, employment contract and ability to find similar work can also affect how much you are owed.

For executives and senior managers, severance can include more than salary. Bonuses, benefits and other compensation may also need to be included. How an executive employment contract is written also matters. Do not judge a package only by the number of weeks or months of pay offered.

• Learn More: TD Layoffs and Severance

Fired or Worried About How You Are Being Treated at Work?

You do not need to know whether your employer broke the law before asking for help.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia with dismissals, severance and workplace disputes. Our employment lawyers can review what happened, explain your options and get you the compensation you are owed.

Start with a conversation. Before you sign, always check first.

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP or call 1-855-821-5900.