When you’re facing a workplace problem in Alberta, you deserve straightforward legal advice — not confusion, stress, or guesswork. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our employment lawyers help non-unionized employees across the province resolve issues involving termination, severance pay, workplace changes, harassment, wrongful dismissal, and more.
Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of Albertans enforce their rights and recover millions in compensation — often without going to court.
If you’re dealing with a difficult employer, or you’ve been fired or pressured to quit, we can explain exactly what the law says and what steps will protect you.
Know Your Workplace Rights in Alberta
Alberta’s Employment Standards Code (ESC) and the common law both protect employees — but the ESC is only the bare minimum. Many Albertans are owed several times more than they realize.
Below is a clear overview of the key workplace rights we help employees understand and enforce.
Termination Without Cause in Alberta
In Alberta, most employees can be let go without cause — but they must receive proper severance pay. If an employer fires you without a valid reason, that is not misconduct. What matters is whether you received the full amount you’re owed.
You may be owed significantly more than the ESC minimums.
Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
A wrongful dismissal happens when you are:
- fired without proper severance, or
- pressured or forced to quit
Most wrongful dismissals involve insufficient severance, not misconduct allegations. Even long-serving employees are often told they only receive “two weeks” — which is almost always incorrect.
Severance Pay in Alberta
Severance pay in Alberta depends on your:
- age
- position
- length of service
- ability to find new work
Most Albertans are owed much more than the ESC minimums. Many receive up to 24 months’ pay.
Constructive Dismissal in Alberta
Your employer can’t make major changes to your job without your consent. These changes can be treated as a termination, and you may be owed severance.
Examples include:
Harassment and Toxic Work Environments
Alberta employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and bullying. Employers must:
- investigate complaints properly
- protect your safety
- prevent retaliation
If they don’t, we can explain your options and next steps.
Discrimination and Human Rights Violations
The Alberta Human Rights Act protects workers from discrimination based on:
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Age
- Sex
- Pregnancy and family status
- Race, colour, ancestry, and place of origin
- Religious beliefs
- Gender identity
- Gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Source of income
If your rights have been violated, we can help you navigate a human rights complaint, a workplace accommodation issue, or a severance negotiation.
Medical Leave, Sick Leave & Disability-Related Rights
You can’t be fired for taking a legitimate medical leave. Employers must:
- Accommodate medical restrictions
- Respect approved leave
- Avoid penalizing you for illness
If your employer is pressuring you to return early, or changing your job while you’re off, we can help you understand your rights.
Employment Contracts in Alberta
Before signing a new job offer, it’s important to understand your contract. Many Alberta employees unknowingly sign agreements that limit their severance or reduce legal rights.
We review contracts involving:
- Termination clauses
- Non-compete agreements
- Non-solicitation clauses
- Bonus plans
- Variable compensation
- Probation
Why Employees Across Alberta Choose Us
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We’ve helped over 50,000 people
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Our firm is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms
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We’re the most-reviewed employment law firm in Canada
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No upfront fees for many wrongful dismissal cases
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Clear, practical advice — no legal jargon
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Represent clients from large urban centres to small communities
Alberta Employment Law: Success Stories
$58,000 Win for Alberta Product Specialist
We proved the employer had no just-cause grounds, securing a win after they fired him.
$54,000 Win for Demoted Assistant Manager
We confirmed a constructive dismissal after she was given a demotion, relocation, and pay cut — obtaining victory without going to court.
Full Severance for Alberta Hotel Manager
We exposed an illegal termination clause and overturned a lowball offer, securing her full common law severance.
What To Do If You’re Fired or Facing Workplace Issues in Alberta
Here’s a simple plan to protect your rights:
- Don’t sign anything
Don’t accept a severance offer or resignation agreement until you know your entitlements. - Document what happened
Keep emails, messages, and notes. These details matter. - Contact us for advice
We’ll explain whether the offer is fair and what you’re legally owed.
How We Help You
We make the process simple:
Step 1 — Full Consultation
Tell us what happened. We’ll explain your rights and options.
Step 2 — We Assess Your Case
We determine the full amount you’re owed under Alberta law.
Step 3 — We Negotiate for Maximum Compensation
We deal directly with the employer on your behalf.
Step 4 — No Court Required in Most Cases
Most claims resolve quickly through negotiation.
Employment Law Resources for Alberta Employees
Workplace Rights & Protections
- Workplace Harassment Alberta
- Leaves of Absence & Sick Leave Alberta
- Employment Standards Act Guide
- Modified Duties Alberta
Contracts & Workplace Changes
FAQ: Alberta Employment Law
➡️ Can my employer fire me without cause in Alberta?
Yes — but they must pay full severance.
➡️ How much severance am I owed?
It depends on age, position, and length of service. Many employees are owed up to 24 months.
➡️ What is wrongful dismissal in Alberta?
Being fired without proper severance, or being forced to quit due to workplace changes.
➡️ Is a layoff legal in Alberta?
Not for most non-unionized employees. A layoff can be a constructive dismissal.
➡️ Can my employer reduce my pay or change my job?
Not without your consent. This may be a constructive dismissal.
➡️ Can I be fired while on medical leave?
Not for taking the leave. But you can be terminated for unrelated reasons as long as proper severance is paid.
Serving Communities Across Alberta
While our primary offices are in Calgary and Edmonton, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP provides expert legal representation to non-unionized employees in every corner of the province. We understand that workplace issues look different depending on where you live — from the industrial hubs of Fort McMurray to the growing tech and professional sectors in Airdrie and St. Albert.
Where We Help
We assist clients in the following regions and beyond:
- Northern Alberta: Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and Lloydminster.
- Central Alberta: Red Deer, Lacombe, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, and Sylvan Lake.
- Edmonton Metropolitan Region: St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Beaumont, and Fort Saskatchewan.
- Calgary Metropolitan Region: Airdrie, Chestermere, Okotoks, Cochrane, and High River.
- Southern Alberta: Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, and Taber.
- The Rockies: Canmore and Banff.
A Local Approach to Alberta Employment Law
Whether you are a project manager in Red Deer facing a sudden layoff or a healthcare worker in Lethbridge dealing with a human rights violation, we provide the same high-level advocacy that has recovered millions for Albertans.
Our team is familiar with the common law precedents that impact Alberta’s diverse workforce — from the oil and gas sector to retail and hospitality. We handle your case remotely via phone and email, ensuring you have access to Canada’s most-reviewed employment law firm without having to travel.
Speak to an Employment Lawyer in Alberta
If you’ve been fired, pressured to resign, denied fair severance, or are facing workplace issues, we can help.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is Canada’s leading employment law firm for non-unionized workers. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people understand their rights and get the full severance they’re legally entitled to.