Ontario Severance

A. v. IBM Canada Limited

2026 ONSC 420 (CanLII)Ontario Superior Court of JusticeDecided Wrongful dismissal

Wrongful Dismissal: 24 Months Notice for Senior Executive

Summary

This wrongful dismissal case involved a senior executive with long service terminated by IBM Canada Limited. The court fixed a 24-month notice period based on the Bardal factors and awarded damages for base salary, pension, and benefits during that period. The court also addressed entitlement to discretionary bonuses and equity compensation (RSUs and stock options), awarding the bonus for the final year but denying it during the notice period, and awarding damages for cancelled equity based on implied sales dates.

Outcome

24-month notice period fixed; damages awarded for salary, benefits, equity, and 2022 bonus; notice period bonus denied.

Award

24 months' notice; damages for base salary, pension contributions, and benefits; damages for cancelled RSUs and stock options; 2022 bonus awarded; notice period bonus denied.

Key Factors

  • wrongful dismissal
  • reasonable notice
  • Bardal factors
  • discretionary bonuses
  • equity compensation

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More Ontario employment decisions from 2026

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.