What's the Difference between an Employee and Independent Contractor? As an employment lawyer, I have been asked to assist many individuals who (I believe) were improperly classified by their employer as an "independent contractor". As is the case more often than not, most of these individuals are
How Much Severance Pay Should I Get if I’m Fired from My Job?
What Should I do if I'm Wrongfully Dismissed and Lose My Job? Most employees are unsure of what to do when their company terminates their employment. The prospect of not having a job or stable income is traumatic enough as it is. Yet, to complicate matters, most employers force employees to quickly
As an Employer, Do I Need an Employment Contract?
Let's say you are operating a small business or mid-size employer in Ontario and currently recruiting for a new position in your company. Let's also say that, after spending dozens of hours (and plenty of money) on recruiters to find just the right fit (including posting job ads on websites like
Here’s What to Know about a Severance Package: Ontario Employment Law
Employment Lawyer Helping Ontario Employees Review and Negotiate a Severance Package Facing a termination of employment can be a difficult, traumatic experience that causes many people to serious concerns about financial obligations, anxiety about future employment and fears of taking a "step back"
Difference between an “Employee” and “Independent Contractor” in Ontario
As an employment lawyer, a common issue I often discuss with clients - both workers and companies - is the legal distinction between an "employee" and an "independent contractor." While this has always been a thorny issue in employment law, it has drawn been in the spotlight more often with the
What You Ought to Know about Termination of Employment.. and Why
Understanding Termination of Employment in Ontario What are the Reasons Employers Can Fire Employees? In Ontario, employers can generally dismiss an employee in the following ways: (a) Termination for Cause - in this case, an employer can terminate the employment of a non-unionized employee
Should I Negotiate My Own Severance Package?
Negotiate Severance Package: Don't Go it Alone! As an employee, if you elect to negotiate your own severance pay without involving an experienced employment lawyer, it can severely limit the severance pay amount you may recover from your employer resulting from a wrongful dismissal. For example,
Am I Entitled to Bonus Pay If My Employment is Terminated (Wrongful Dismissal)?
For many employees, bonus pay is often a significant part of their overall job compensation. For instance, I regularly assist employees who have lost their job to negotiate better financial severance packages, or even in negotiating a more favourable employment contract, with the aim of obtaining