Ontario Severance

Canaccord Capital Corporation v. Roscoe

2013 ONCA 378 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Employment contract

Indemnity Clause in Employment Agreement: Limitations Act Appeal

Summary

This is an appeal from a motion judge's decision regarding an employer's claim for indemnification against a former employee under an employment agreement. The central legal issue was whether the employer's claim for indemnity was statute-barred under section 18 of the Limitations Act, 2002, specifically determining when the cause of action accrued. The Court of Appeal held that the indemnity obligation arises when the claim is made against the employer, not when the settlement is paid, and that section 18 applies to contractual indemnity claims.

Outcome

appeal allowed

Key Factors

  • indemnity clauses
  • employment agreements
  • Limitations Act, 2002
  • statutory interpretation
  • discoverability

Related Cases

Ballance It Inc. v. Lessard

2026 ONSC 5148 (CanLII) · 2026-09-10

Employment Contract: Interlocutory Injunction Refused

This interlocutory proceeding addressed whether the employer established a strong prima facie case to restrain a former employee from breaching non-solicitation and confidentiality obligations under their employment agreement. The court assessed the reasonableness of restrictive covenants and the handling of confidential information on personal devices, ultimately refusing the injunction as the prima facie case was not met.

Bellwether Investment Management Inc. v. Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc.

2026 ONSC 3622 (CanLII) · 2026-05-19

Enforceability of Non-Compete & Non-Solicit Clauses

This interlocutory proceeding addresses the enforceability of non-solicitation and non-competition clauses in an employment agreement. The court found a strong prima facie case that the defendant breached these restrictive covenants by soliciting clients and employees, leading to the issuance of an injunction. Additionally, a show cause hearing was ordered regarding alleged contempt of court for violating the interim injunction.

Friel v. HUB International Limited

2026 ONCA 313 (CanLII) · 2026-05-04

Employment Contract: Option Dispute & Forum Selection

The Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissed an appeal concerning the interpretation of an employment agreement and option documents. The court determined that the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) clause in the employment agreement did not govern the dispute over equity options, and enforced a Delaware forum selection clause despite allegations of unconscionability.

Nexus Solutions Inc. v. Krougly

2026 ONCA 199 (CanLII) · 2026-03-19

Copyright Ownership: In the Course of Employment

This is an appeal from the Court of Appeal for Ontario dismissing the employer's appeal regarding copyright ownership of software developed by an employee. The court applied the Penhallurick factors to determine whether the work was created 'in the course of employment', concluding that the employee's side venture was outside the employer's control and mandate, and that resource expenditure was not a prerequisite for vesting copyright in the employer.

Cowan Insurance Group Ltd, v. Bennett

2026 ONSC 1413 (CanLII) · 2026-03-09

Non-Compete Injunction Dismissed: ESA s. 67.2 Analysis

This interlocutory motion sought an injunction to prohibit a former employee from soliciting the plaintiff's clients, alleging breaches of restrictive covenants. The court dismissed the motion, finding that existing contractual and court-ordered restrictions were sufficient to protect confidential information, that the balance of convenience favored the defendant, and that the requested restraint was inconsistent with the prohibition on non-compete agreements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

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.