Can I Be Fired for Donating to a Protest in Canada?

The Short Answer

If you’re a non-unionized employee in Canada, your employer can technically let you go for almost any reason — as long as they provide proper severance pay. However, firing someone for donating to a protest is very unlikely to qualify as just cause for termination, which would allow an employer to deny severance entirely.

Your Rights as a Private Citizen

In Canada, employees are free to express personal beliefs and support causes on their own time, provided they’re not breaking any laws or directly harming their employer’s reputation or operations.

A private donation to a lawful protest or social cause — whether large or small — does not amount to workplace misconduct. Your off-duty actions are generally none of your employer’s business, unless they:

• Directly affect your employer’s reputation or operations
• Create a conflict of interest
• Violate company policy in a serious way
• Are criminal or discriminatory in nature

Unless one of these factors applies, your employer can’t claim “just cause” to terminate your employment.

What About At-Will Firing?

Unlike the US, Canada does not have at-will employment. Your employer must provide notice or severance pay if they decide to end your employment without cause — even if it’s because of your political views or charitable donations.

LEARN MORE
• Employees fired for off-duty conduct
• Can off-duty conduct result in a termination for cause?
• Freedom Convoy trucker fired after colliding with a cyclist
• Severance packages for transport drivers

In Other Words:

You could technically be let go after donating to a protest, but your employer would owe you full severance pay, which could be up to 24 months’ pay depending on your:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position
• Employability
• Employment contract terms

When Could It Lead to Trouble?

Problems may arise if:

• You make donations using your work email or company credit card
• You publicly identify yourself as an employee of the company when donating or posting about it
• Your actions create negative publicity that directly harms your employer

Even then, termination for cause would be rare and highly scrutinized by courts. Most cases still result in severance entitlements.

Real Example: Freedom Convoy Donations (2022)

During the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, some Canadians lost their jobs after their names appeared in leaked donor lists. The employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP made it clear at the time that:

• Private, lawful donations don’t justify firing for cause
• Employers could only terminate without cause, with severance
• Employees still had the right to freedom of speech and association

That same legal reasoning applies today.

What To Do If You’re Fired for a Donation

If you’ve been dismissed after supporting a protest or political movement:

1. Do not sign anything immediately — especially a release or severance offer.
2. Get legal advice before responding to your employer.
3. Keep records of your donation, communications, and any reasons given for your termination.

Our employment lawyers regularly represent Canadians in Ontario, Alberta, and BC who were fired or penalized for their off-duty conduct or personal beliefs.

Key Takeaway

In most cases, donating to a protest is not just cause for dismissal in Canada.
Your employer can only terminate you with proper severance pay — not as punishment for exercising your personal rights.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer

If you are penalized by your employer or lose your job for donating to a protest, our team can help. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is one of Canada’s most trusted employment law firms.

Our team has:

• 👥 Represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases out of court
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in some, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named on of Canada’s Best Law Firms

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.