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If you have been fired without cause in Calgary, you are likely entitled to more severance than your employer offered. Most employees are wrongfully dismissed because they are provided with only the minimum legal standards, not their full common law rights. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of Canadians secure millions in compensation.
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Fighting for Calgary Employees in a Changing Economy
In 2026, Calgary’s job market remains in a state of flux. While we see growth in emerging tech, the traditional energy sector continues to undergo significant corporate restructuring, contributing to a local unemployment rate of approximately 6.7%.
When companies “downsize” or “restructure,” they often overlook the full legal rights of their employees. In Alberta, a wrongful dismissal occurs when you are terminated without being provided the correct amount of severance pay. It is not necessarily about why you were fired, but rather how much you were paid to bridge the gap to your next role.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Dismissal in Calgary?
Many Calgarians believe that wrongful dismissal means they were fired for the “wrong reason.” In reality, an employer in Alberta can fire you for almost any non-discriminatory reason as long as they provide you with full severance. You have been wrongfully dismissed if:
- You were fired “without cause” and given a package that only meets the Employment Standards Code minimums (often just a few weeks of pay).
- You were fired “for cause” for minor performance issues without being given a proper chance to improve.
- You were constructively dismissed because your employer made a fundamental change to your job, such as a 10% pay cut or a demotion, effectively forcing you to leave.
The “Capital Punishment” of Employment Law: Termination for Cause
Employers often use “just cause” as a tactic to avoid paying severance. This is reserved only for the most severe misconduct, such as theft or fraud. If you have been fired for cause in Calgary, our lawyers will rigorously challenge the allegation to ensure your reputation and your financial future are protected.
New 2026 Leave Protections: Fired for Illness?
A major legal shift occurred on January 1, 2026, when Alberta increased job-protected long-term illness and injury leave to 27 weeks. If you were terminated shortly after returning from a medical leave, or while still recovering, you may not only be a victim of wrongful dismissal but also of a human rights violation.
Under current Alberta law, employers have a duty to accommodate employees with disabilities or medical conditions. Terminating an employee simply because their statutory leave has ended is often considered discriminatory. Our Calgary team is at the forefront of enforcing these 2026 standards.
Why Choose a Calgary Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?
- The Most Reviewed Firm in Canada: With over 300 5-star Google reviews in Calgary alone, our clients’ results speak for themselves.
- Proven Media Authority: As the hosts of the Employment Law Show on Global TV, we are the firm the media trusts to explain workplace rights.
- National Power, Local Presence: We combine the resources of a national powerhouse with the local expertise of Calgary-based advocates like Jarret Janis.
- No Win, No Fee: We offer contingency fee arrangements where you only pay us once we recover money for you.
Part of Calgary Employment Law
Our Wrongful Dismissal team works in tandem with our other local specialists to provide a 360-degree defense of your rights:
👉 Employment Lawyers Calgary
Our main hub for all city-specific legal services.
👉 Constructive Dismissal Lawyer Calgary
For when you are forced to quit due to job changes.
👉 Severance Pay Lawyer Calgary
Specialized reviews for complex termination packages.
👉 Wrongful Dismissal Alberta
Learn more about the provincial laws governing termination.
Video: When Should I Call an Employment Lawyer?
Lior Samfiru, co-founder of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, explains why the first 48 hours after a termination are the most critical for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wrongful Dismissal in Calgary
My employer said I only have 3 days to sign. Is that true?
No. In Alberta, you typically have up to two years to file a wrongful dismissal claim. Employers use “exploding offers” to pressure you into accepting less than you are owed. Never sign on the spot.
How much severance can I get in Calgary?
Depending on your age, length of service, and the character of your employment (the Bardal Factors), you could be entitled to as much as 24 months of pay.
Can I be fired if I’m over 50?
Yes, but the law recognizes that it is harder for older workers to find new employment. Consequently, workers in their 50s and 60s are often entitled to significantly higher severance payouts than younger employees in similar roles.
What does a wrongful dismissal lawyer cost?
We offer contingency fee arrangements for most wrongful dismissal cases. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees, and we only receive a percentage of the settlement we recover for you.
Visit Our Calgary Office
We are located in the heart of downtown Calgary, serving the entire city from the Beltline and Eau Claire to Aspen Woods and Airdrie.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP – Calgary
Address: 888 3rd Street SW
10th Floor
Calgary, AB T2P 5C5
Phone: 1-587-324-0440