Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace
Wrongful Dismissal: Fixed-Term Contract and ESA Compliance
Summary
A wrongful dismissal case involving a fixed-term employment contract where the termination clause was found unenforceable due to non-compliance with the Employment Standards Act (ESA) at the time of contract formation. The court ruled that the termination clause was unenforceable, and the employee was entitled to wages and benefits for the unexpired term of the contract.
Outcome
termination clause found unenforceable, employee entitled to wages and benefits
Award
employee entitled to wages and benefits for the unexpired term of the contract
Key Factors
- wrongful dismissal
- termination clause
- ESA compliance
- fixed-term contract
Related Cases
Cross v. Cooling Tower Maintenance Inc.
2025 ONSC 7203 (CanLII) · 2025-12-23Employment Contract Dispute: Summary Judgment and Lump Sum Payment
A case involving the interpretation and enforcement of a settlement agreement in an employment context. The court granted summary judgment, finding that the failure to disclose re-employment did not constitute repudiation, and ordered the payment of a lump sum. The court also dismissed a counterclaim for punitive damages.
Barnett v. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.
2025 ONSC 6400 (CanLII) · 2025-11-17Employment Contract: Forum Selection Clause Validity and Enforceability
A civil procedure case examining the enforceability of a forum selection clause in an employment contract. The court found the clause valid and enforceable, despite the plaintiff's transition to a new employer and the defendant's arguments for a more appropriate forum in Manitoba.
Liggett v. Veeva Software Systems, Inc. and Veeva Systems Inc.
2025 ONSC 7010 (CanLII) · 2025-10-07Employment Contract Dispute: Termination Clause and Reasonable Notice
A case involving the enforceability of a termination clause under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and the determination of reasonable notice for a senior product manager. The court also addressed the award of benefits and incentive compensation during the notice period.
McCoubrey v. Salesfloor Inc.
2025 ONSC 3739 (CanLII) · 2025-06-24Employment Contract Case: Commission Policies and Entitlements
A case involving the interpretation of employment agreements and commission policies. The court determined that the 2020 Commission Policy governed the plaintiff's entitlements and that the plaintiff was entitled to $61,228.28 USD in commissions for deals she was the effective cause of before her resignation.
Riva Plumbing Limited v. Ferrari
2025 ONSC 3219 (CanLII) · 2025-05-29Employment Contract Dispute: Pro-Rated Bonuses Awarded
A case involving former employees of a plumbing business who were accused of breaching fiduciary duties and non-competition clauses. The court ruled that there was no breach of duties as the employees did not compete during their employment or misuse confidential information. Additionally, the court determined that the employees were entitled to pro-rated bonuses under oral agreements despite resigning before the fiscal year-end.
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.