When you’re facing a workplace problem in Ontario, 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 50,000+ Ontarians 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 Ontario
Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the common law both protect employees — but the ESA is only the bare minimum. Many Ontarians 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 Ontario
In Ontario, 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 ESA minimums.
👉 Read more: Termination Without Cause in Ontario
Wrongful Dismissal in Ontario
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.
👉 Learn more: Wrongful Dismissal Ontario
Severance Pay in Ontario
Severance pay depends on your:
- age
- position
- length of service
- ability to find new work
Most Ontarians are owed much more than the ESA minimums. Many receive up to 24 months’ pay.
📲 Use our tool: Severance Pay Calculator
Constructive Dismissal in Ontario
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:
- cutting your pay
- reducing your hours
- changing your duties
- laying you off
- relocating you
- creating a toxic environment
👉 Learn more: Constructive Dismissal Ontario
Harassment and Toxic Work Environments
Ontario 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
Ontario’s Human Rights Code protects workers from discrimination based on:
- disability (physical or mental)
- age
- sex
- pregnancy / family status
- race, ethnicity, religion
- gender identity
- sexual orientation
If your rights are violated, we can help you navigate a human rights claim or 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 Ontario
Before signing a new job offer, it’s important to understand your contract. Many Ontario 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
👉 Learn more: Employment Contract Lawyers Ontario
Why Employees Across Ontario 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
Ontario Employment Law: Success Stories
$157,000 Win for Fixed-Term Employee
We proved an illegal termination clause, securing 101 weeks of pay for our client who worked as a youth coordinator.
33-Year Hygienist Awarded 24 Months’ Pay
After wrongful dismissal, we won 24 months’ compensation plus legal costs.
Senior Director Wins 4-Month Severance
A lowball offer was overturned, resulting in $45,000+ pay and costs.
What To Do If You’re Fired or Facing Workplace Issues in Ontario
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 Ontario 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 Ontario Employees
Workplace Rights & Protections
- Workplace Harassment Ontario
- Medical Leave & Sick Leave Ontario
- Employment Standards Act Guide
- Modified Duties Ontario
Contracts & Workplace Changes
FAQ: Ontario Employment Law
➡️ Can my employer fire me without cause in Ontario?
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 Ontario?
Being fired without proper severance, or being forced to quit due to workplace changes.
➡️ Is a layoff legal in Ontario?
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.
Speak to an Employment Lawyer in Ontario
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.