Lost Your Job in Toronto? Don’t Accept Your Severance Package Yet
If you’ve been let go from your job in Toronto, your employer may have offered you a severance package — but in most cases, that offer is far less than what you’re actually owed.
Before you sign anything, speak with a severance pay lawyer.
In Ontario, severance can be worth as much as 24 months’ pay depending on your situation. Many employees are only offered the minimum under the law — and unknowingly leave thousands of dollars on the table.
Severance Package Review in Toronto
Our Toronto severance pay lawyers review severance packages every day. In many cases, we uncover:
- Missing compensation (bonuses, commissions, benefits)
- Improper reliance on minimum standards
- Pressure to sign quickly
- Severance offers that ignore your full legal rights
You are not required to accept your employer’s first offer.
A proper severance package must reflect your full entitlements under Ontario common law — not just minimum standards.
How Much Severance Are You Owed in Toronto?
There is no fixed formula for severance pay.
Your compensation is based on several key legal factors, including:
- Your age
- Your position
- Your length of service
- Your compensation structure (salary, bonus, benefits)
- The availability of similar employment
These are often referred to as Bardal factors.
A severance package can total up to 24 months’ pay — even for employees with relatively short service.
Salary Continuance vs Lump Sum: What’s Better?
Some employers offer severance as salary continuance instead of a lump sum payment.
This can affect:
- Your ability to collect EI
- Your tax obligations
- What happens if you find new employment
- Whether your benefits continue
Choosing the wrong structure could cost you thousands.
How Severance Pay Is Taxed in Ontario
Severance pay is taxable — but how it’s paid can significantly impact how much you keep.
We help clients structure severance packages to minimize tax and maximize take-home compensation.
Common Severance Mistakes We See in Toronto
Many employees unknowingly accept less than they deserve.
The most common mistakes include:
- Accepting the first offer
- Believing “1 week per year” is correct
- Signing under pressure
- Not accounting for bonuses or benefits
- Failing to get legal advice
Once you accept a severance package, you usually can’t go back.
Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
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Trusted and Respected
We’ve helped tens of thousands of employees across Ontario secure fair severance packages. -
Proven Results
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients.
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No Fee Unless We Win
In many cases, we offer contingency-based services — meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. -
Clear, Practical Advice
We explain your rights in plain language so you can make informed decisions.
Use Our Free Severance Tools
Use Our Free Severance Tools
Find out how much severance you may be owed using our Severance Pay Calculator — free, anonymous, and used by over millions of Canadians.
Calculate Your Severance NowPocket Employment Lawyer
Quickly determine if your rights have been violated with our interactive tool.
Try It NowSpeak With a Severance Pay Lawyer in Toronto Today
If you’ve been dismissed from your job, don’t assume your employer’s offer is fair.
A quick review with a Toronto severance pay lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can make a significant difference in what you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much severance pay am I entitled to in Toronto?
You may be entitled to up to 24 months’ pay, depending on your age, position, and other factors.
Do I have to accept my severance package?
No. You have the right to review it before signing.
Can a lawyer increase my severance package?
Yes. In many cases, employees are able to secure significantly more with legal help.