Bennett v. Cunningham
Wrongful Dismissal: Associate Lawyer Awarded Four Months Notice
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 and assessed whether the defendant had just cause for termination based on insolence and misconduct. The court also evaluated the reasonable notice period and damages, considering the plaintiff's ability to mitigate losses.
Outcome
Plaintiff was awarded four months’ notice, with damages reduced by mitigation earnings.
Award
Four months’ notice deemed reasonable; damages reduced by mitigation earnings.
Key Factors
- employment classification
- reasonable notice
- just cause for termination
- insolence
- intermediate category worker
Related Cases
Warren v. Canaccord Genuity Corp.
2026 ONSC 547 (CanLII) · 2026-01-28Wrongful Dismissal: 21-Month Notice Period and Mitigation Considered
A wrongful dismissal case involving a Managing Director investment banker who was terminated. The court determined a 21-month notice period and awarded bonuses during the notice period. Mitigation and credits were considered, reducing overall damages.
Adelman v. IBM Canada Limited
2026 ONSC 420 (CanLII) · 2026-01-27Wrongful Dismissal: 24-Month Notice Period for Senior IBM Executive
A wrongful dismissal case involving a senior executive with long service at IBM Canada Limited. The court determined a 24-month notice period and awarded damages for base salary, pension contributions, and benefits. The case also addressed the entitlement to a bonus and equity compensation during the notice period.
Pascuet v. Sky Service
2025 ONSC 6143 (CanLII) · 2025-10-31Wrongful Dismissal: Claim Dismissed as Statute-Barred
A motion for summary judgment was granted in a wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff's claim was dismissed as statute-barred under the Limitations Act, 2002. The court applied the discoverability doctrine and ruled that the limitation period began on the date of termination, and the plaintiff failed to rebut the presumption under s. 5(2) of the Limitations Act, 2002.
Ferguson v. Yorkwest Plumbing Supply Inc.
2025 ONSC 5408 (CanLII) · 2025-09-23Wrongful Dismissal: Plaintiff Awarded $170,415.42 in Damages and $6,879 in Costs
A wrongful dismissal case where the plaintiff was awarded $170,415.42 in damages, including $60,000 in unpaid commissions, for a six-month notice period. The court also awarded $6,879 in costs for a successful motion for default judgment.
Carroll v. Oracle Canada ULC
2025 ONSC 4889 (CanLII) · 2025-08-26Wrongful Dismissal: 12 Months' Notice, $57,740.55 in Punitive Damages
A wrongful dismissal case involving a Global Strategic Client Executive with short service and high income. The court awarded 12 months' notice based on Bardal factors, denied damages for lost Restricted Stock Units, awarded benefits and RRSP contributions, and granted $57,740.55 in punitive damages for delayed commission payments.
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.