Wrongful Dismissal
Let go without proper notice or cause? We assess your severance entitlements and negotiate the package you're actually owed.
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Ottawa employment lawyer.
Whether you've recently lost your job, been offered a severance package, or require advice regarding a workplace dispute, Pelsmakher Law represents employees and employers throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
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Employment Law in Ottawa
How we can help
Pelsmakher Law advises employees and employers in Ottawa regarding:
- Wrongful dismissal
- Severance package reviews
- Constructive dismissal
- Employment contract review and drafting
- Executive employment agreements
- Human rights and workplace harassment
- Disability accommodation
- Temporary layoffs
- Just cause dismissals
- Independent contractor disputes
- Bonus and commission disputes
- Workplace investigations
- Employer workplace policies
- Employment Standards Act compliance
Ottawa's federal workforce
Ottawa has one of Canada's largest concentrations of federal public servants, Crown corporation employees, technology professionals, and defence contractors. Many federally regulated employees are governed by the Canada Labour Code, while many others remain subject to Ontario employment legislation, and understanding which framework applies is an important first step in determining your rights following a termination.
Federal vs. provincial employment law
The Canada Labour Code sets its own rules on notice, severance, and dismissal, including a distinctive unjust dismissal process that can lead to reinstatement, a remedy generally not available under Ontario's regime. If you work for a bank, airline, telecommunications company, or another federally regulated employer, or for the federal government itself, your rights may look quite different from a typical Ontario employee's, and it's worth confirming which regime applies before relying on either.
Why choose Pelsmakher Law?
Clients throughout Ottawa choose Pelsmakher Law because we provide focused employment law representation, responsive communication, strategic negotiation, and practical, transparent advice, with secure virtual consultations so you don't need to travel for experienced legal help. Learn more about the firm or read our employment law blog.
Also serving nearby areas: Kingston, Peterborough, Toronto, London
Ottawa FAQs
Common questions from Ottawa clients.
Practical, Ontario-law guidance for employees and employers in Ottawa.
Not always. Some Ottawa employees are governed by the Canada Labour Code, while others fall under Ontario employment legislation. Determining which legislation applies is an important part of assessing your rights.
Many severance packages can be negotiated before a release is signed.
Employers face a high legal burden when alleging just cause. Many cause dismissals become disputes over severance entitlements instead, once the allegation is tested.
Consultation
Dealing with a workplace issue in Ottawa?
We'll help you understand your rights and the best way forward, clearly and without pressure.
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