B. v. C.
Wrongful Dismissal Claim Fails: Just Cause Found
Appeal history
- Appealed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario: B. v. C., 2012 ONCA 540 (CanLII) (employer's appeal allowed; trial judgment restored)
Summary
A wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff, hired as an associate lawyer under a commission-based scheme, was terminated without notice. The court determined the plaintiff was either an employee or in an intermediate category. However, the claim failed as the court found the plaintiff's insolence (delivering a critical letter accusing the defendant of dishonesty) justified summary dismissal for just cause. Four months' notice was assessed only in the alternative.
Outcome
The wrongful dismissal claim was dismissed due to just cause; four months' notice was assessed only in the alternative.
Award
Claim dismissed (just cause found); four months' notice assessed only in the alternative.
Key Factors
- employment classification
- reasonable notice
- just cause for termination
- insolence
- intermediate category worker
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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.