Ontario Severance

N. v. Riverside Pontiac-Buick Ltd.

1996 CanLII 8143 (ON SC)Ontario Superior Court of JusticeDecided Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful Dismissal: Office Manager Awarded 15 Months Notice and Damages

Appeal history

Summary

A wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff, an Office Manager aged 63 with four years of service, was terminated without cause. The employer alleged cause based on irregular cheque-signing practices, but the court found the grounds insufficient and pretextual. The notice period was increased from ten to fifteen months due to aggravating circumstances, and the plaintiff was awarded aggravated damages, mental distress damages, and punitive damages.

Outcome

Plaintiff awarded aggravated damages, mental distress damages, and punitive damages; notice period increased to fifteen months.

Award

Aggravated damages awarded for harm caused by defendants’ conduct; mental distress damages awarded based on psychiatric evidence; punitive damages awarded to condemn defendants’ callous actions; notice period increased to fifteen months.

Key Factors

  • wrongful dismissal
  • termination without cause
  • reasonable notice
  • aggravated damages
  • mental distress damages

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More Ontario employment decisions from the 1990s

This summary was written by AI from the published decision and its headnote. It is not an official version of the decision; read the full text on CanLII before relying on it. 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.