B. v. Niagara Motors Limited
Wrongful Dismissal: 23-Year Employee Awarded 24 Months Notice and Severance
Appeal history
- Appealed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario: B. v. Niagara Motors Limited, 2009 ONCA 887 (CanLII) (appeal allowed in part; 24 months' notice upheld)
Summary
A wrongful dismissal case involving a plaintiff with 23 years of service who was terminated by the defendant, who alleged just cause based on incompetence and unprofessional conduct. The court applied the Bardal factors to determine 24 months’ notice and severance entitlement, and found that the defendant’s post-termination conduct constituted bad faith, awarding two additional months’ notice. The plaintiff’s mitigation efforts were deemed reasonable, and the court ignored the gaps in service due to childbearing, treating the plaintiff as a 23-year employee.
Outcome
Plaintiff awarded 24 months’ notice and severance, with an additional two months for bad faith conduct; just cause not proven.
Award
24 months’ notice and severance awarded; two additional months’ notice for bad faith conduct.
Key Factors
- wrongful dismissal
- notice period
- severance
- bad faith conduct
- just cause
- mitigation of damages
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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.