Ontario Severance

C. v. Trusts and Guarantee Co.

1916 CanLII 507 (ON SC)Ontario Superior Court of JusticeDecided Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful Dismissal: Employee Terminated Before Fixed-Term Contract Ends

Summary

A wrongful dismissal case involving an employee who was terminated before the expiration of a fixed-term employment contract. The court assessed damages at $4,000, considering the plaintiff’s inability to secure comparable employment and the principle that damages should be mitigated by the possibility of obtaining similar work. The court also ruled that profits from independent business ventures post-dismissal were not considered mitigation due to their distinct risks and responsibilities.

Outcome

Damages assessed at $4,000

Award

$4,000 in damages awarded based on the plaintiff’s inability to secure comparable employment

Key Factors

  • wrongful dismissal
  • mitigation of damages
  • fixed-term employment contract
  • comparable employment
  • duty to mitigate

Related Cases

P. v. Sky Service F.B.O. Inc.

2026 ONSC 5334 (CanLII) · 2026-09-18

Wrongful Dismissal: Appeal Dismissed as Statute-Barred

The Divisional Court dismissed an appeal from a motion judge's decision granting summary judgment to the employer, ruling that the employee's wrongful dismissal claim was statute-barred. The court applied the Limitations Act, 2002, finding that the limitation period began on the date of dismissal and was not postponed by the claimant's misunderstanding of legal significance or by commencing proceedings in the wrong forum.

B. et al. v. Guycan Ltd.

2026 ONSC 5209 (CanLII) · 2026-09-14

Wrongful Dismissal: Employee Status and Unpaid Commissions

This is a merits decision in a wrongful dismissal case involving an individual who worked through a personal corporation. The court determined the individual was an employee rather than an independent contractor, rejected the claim of constructive dismissal, and found that the individual had resigned. The court awarded damages for unpaid statutory public holiday pay and commissions, but found no entitlement to pay in lieu of reasonable notice.

K. v. Crossbridge Condominium Services Ltd.

2026 ONCA 636 (CanLII) · 2026-09-10

Wrongful Dismissal: Successor Liability & Notice Appeal

This is an appeal from a motion judge's decision granting summary judgment for common law reasonable notice and lost benefits in a wrongful dismissal case involving a building services provider. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, upholding the finding that the incoming provider was deemed an employer under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and confirming the application of statutory interpretation principles to establish successor liability.

A. v. The Chiefs of Ontario

2026 ONSC 5099 (CanLII) · 2026-09-01

This is a procedural ruling regarding the award of substantial indemnity costs in a dispute involving the Chiefs of Ontario. The court considered whether the conduct of the parties warranted such costs, addressing issues of vexatious conduct by a self-represented litigant and the reasonableness of costs at the preliminary motion stage.

H. v. 1359768 Ontario Inc. (B&B Towing)

2026 ONCA 577 (CanLII) · 2026-08-10

Wrongful Dismissal: Frustration & Company Asset Damages

This is an appeal from a wrongful dismissal decision where the Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissed the appeal regarding the issue of frustration of contract. The court found that the employment contract was not frustrated because the employee's essential duties were accommodable and there was a reasonable likelihood of return to work. Additionally, the court reduced the damages award by disallowing compensation for the loss of use of a company tow truck and cellphone, determining these were work tools rather than perquisites.

More Ontario employment decisions from before 1950

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.