How much severance could you be entitled to?
Estimate the common-law notice period (otherwise known as “severance”) that may apply to your case. Each case is assessed individually, based upon factors such as (but not limited to) age, length of service, type of position, and remuneration.
Severance Calculator
Answer the questions below, then select "Calculate" to see your estimated notice period.
How is reasonable notice calculated?
Courts generally consider several factors together, such as (but not limited to) age, length of service, type of position, and remuneration.
Employment contract
A valid and enforceable termination clause may limit an employee's entitlement. A calculator cannot determine whether a contractual clause is enforceable, which is why an employment contract review is usually the first real step.
Fixed-term employment
An employment agreement with a defined end date can create a different legal analysis. Subject to the wording of their employment agreement, employees terminated prior to the expiry of a fixed term may be eligible for compensation in lieu of the remaining term of their employment. They may elect to pursue that instead of a claim for common law reasonable notice of dismissal.
If your role changed significantly rather than ending outright, that may be a constructive dismissal. If you were let go without proper notice, see wrongful dismissal for what a package should actually contain.
Federally regulated employees
Employees in federally regulated industries, including banking, telecommunications, broadcasting, airlines, railways, and interprovincial or international transportation, may have additional rights under the Canada Labour Code.
A qualifying employee may be able to file an unjust-dismissal complaint and seek remedies that can include reinstatement with back-pay. To be eligible, an employee must have completed at least 12 months of consecutive service before they were let go, must not be a manager, and must not have been terminated due to a genuine redundancy or due to genuine allegations of misconduct.
Questions about severance estimates.
What a reasonable notice estimate does and does not tell you about your own termination package.
No. Employment standards legislation establishes minimum entitlements. Common-law reasonable notice is a separate enhanced entitlement, depending on the employment contract and applicable law. It is inclusive of your minimum entitlements under Employment Standards.
No. Courts do not use a rigid rule of thumb. Length of service matters, but age, position, compensation, available comparable work and other circumstances also matter.
Potentially. A valid and enforceable termination clause in an employment contract may limit an employee's termination entitlements to their minimums, under applicable Employment Standards.
No. The calculator is a screening tool. Obtain legal advice before signing a severance agreement, because accepting an offer can permanently settle your claims, and preclude your ability from seeking enhanced compensation.
Speak with an employment lawyer.
Pelsmakher Law advises employees and employers on wrongful dismissal, severance, fixed-term contracts, executive compensation and federal unjust-dismissal rights.
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Legal disclaimer: This page and calculator provide general educational information only and are not legal advice. They are intended primarily for non-unionized employees in Canada’s common-law provinces and territories; Quebec law differs. Employment contracts, fixed-term arrangements, statutory rules, governing legislation and individual circumstances may materially change the result. Use of this page does not create a solicitor-client relationship.