Ontario Severance

H. v. Frito Lay Canada Ltd.

1999 CanLII 1386 (ON CA)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful Dismissal: 23-Year Employee Awarded 10.5 Months Notice

Appeal history

Summary

This is an appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario regarding a wrongful dismissal action where an employee with 23 years of service was terminated due to absence caused by incarceration. The court addressed whether the employer had just cause for dismissal and whether issue estoppel precluded the wrongful dismissal claim following Employment Standards Act proceedings. The court found the employer lacked just cause and awarded the employee additional ten and one-half months' pay in lieu of notice.

Outcome

appeal allowed; employer's cross-appeal dismissed; an additional 10½ months pay awarded

Award

Employee awarded additional ten and one-half months' pay in lieu of notice

Key Factors

  • wrongful dismissal
  • just cause
  • issue estoppel
  • incarceration
  • length of service

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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.