Pohl v. Hudson’s Bay Company
28-Year Employee Wrongfully Dismissed: 24 Months' Notice, $45,000 in Damages
Summary
A wrongful dismissal case involving a 28-year employee terminated without cause. The court assessed the common law notice period using Bardal factors and awarded 24 months' notice. The employer's conduct during termination, including misleading and insensitive behavior, led to an award of $45,000 in moral damages. The employer also faced punitive damages of $10,000 for statutory breaches. The court found no damages for a temporary pay cut and no reduction in damages for the plaintiff's mitigation efforts.
Outcome
plaintiff awarded 24 months' notice and $45,000 in moral damages, $10,000 in punitive damages
Award
24 months' salary, $45,000 in moral damages, $10,000 in punitive damages
Key Factors
- wrongful dismissal
- common law notice period
- Bardal factors
- moral damages
- punitive damages
Related Cases
Warren v. Canaccord Genuity Corp.
2026 ONSC 547 (CanLII) · 2026-01-28Wrongful Dismissal: 21-Month Notice Period and Mitigation Considered
A wrongful dismissal case involving a Managing Director investment banker who was terminated. The court determined a 21-month notice period and awarded bonuses during the notice period. Mitigation and credits were considered, reducing overall damages.
Adelman v. IBM Canada Limited
2026 ONSC 420 (CanLII) · 2026-01-27Wrongful Dismissal: 24-Month Notice Period for Senior IBM Executive
A wrongful dismissal case involving a senior executive with long service at IBM Canada Limited. The court determined a 24-month notice period and awarded damages for base salary, pension contributions, and benefits. The case also addressed the entitlement to a bonus and equity compensation during the notice period.
Pascuet v. Sky Service
2025 ONSC 6143 (CanLII) · 2025-10-31Wrongful Dismissal: Claim Dismissed as Statute-Barred
A motion for summary judgment was granted in a wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff's claim was dismissed as statute-barred under the Limitations Act, 2002. The court applied the discoverability doctrine and ruled that the limitation period began on the date of termination, and the plaintiff failed to rebut the presumption under s. 5(2) of the Limitations Act, 2002.
Ferguson v. Yorkwest Plumbing Supply Inc.
2025 ONSC 5408 (CanLII) · 2025-09-23Wrongful Dismissal: Plaintiff Awarded $170,415.42 in Damages and $6,879 in Costs
A wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff was awarded $170,415.42 in damages, including $60,000 in unpaid commissions, for a six-month notice period. The court also awarded $6,879 in costs for a successful motion for default judgment.
Carroll v. Oracle Canada ULC
2025 ONSC 4889 (CanLII) · 2025-08-26Wrongful Dismissal: 12 Months' Notice, $57,740.55 in Punitive Damages
A wrongful dismissal case involving a Global Strategic Client Executive with short service and high income. The court awarded 12 months' notice based on Bardal factors, denied damages for lost Restricted Stock Units, awarded benefits and RRSP contributions, and granted $57,740.55 in punitive damages for delayed commission payments.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Ontario Severance is an educational tool. If you are facing a serious employment law matter, consult with a qualified employment lawyer in Ontario.