Employees in Toronto can face a wide range of workplace issues throughout their employment. These may include termination or severance, significant changes to job duties or compensation, workplace harassment or discrimination, disability-related concerns, or disputes involving employment contracts.
An experienced employment lawyer can assess your situation, explain how Ontario employment law applies to you, and advise on appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers assists non-union employees, including provincially regulated and federally regulated employees in Ontario, as well as independent contractors.
How the Process Works
The first step is a free 30-minute phone consultation with a lawyer or paralegal. This is a chance to share your situation, ask questions, and see how we can help.
If your matter requires a deeper assessment, the next step may be a paid case review. A lawyer will review relevant documents (such as termination letters, severance offers, or contracts), explain your rights, and provide clear legal advice.
Some clients choose to stop after a case review if they only need advice. Others retain us to assist with negotiation, mediation, or litigation, depending on the circumstances.
Learn more about our fees and consultation process.
Request a free 30 minute phone consultation
Call (416) 907-9249
What an Employment Lawyer Does
Employment lawyers advise employees on their legal rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship. This includes helping employees understand how employment legislation, common law principles, and contractual terms apply to their specific circumstances.
An employment lawyer may review documents, assess potential claims, and explain available legal options. Depending on the situation, an employment lawyer may assist with:
- Reviewing termination letters, severance offers, and release agreements
- Assessing wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal claims
- Advising on termination for cause allegations
- Explaining severance pay, reasonable notice, and common law entitlements
- Addressing workplace harassment, bullying, and toxic work environments
- Advising on human rights and discrimination issues, including disability and accommodation
- Resolving disputes involving commissions, bonuses, or unpaid compensation
- Negotiating settlements and representing employees in mediation or litigation where appropriate
When Should You Contact an Employment Lawyer?
Many employees seek legal advice after a significant workplace change or dispute. You may wish to speak with an employment lawyer if:
- You were terminated or laid off
- You received a severance package or deadline to sign a release
- Your job duties, pay, hours, or reporting structure changed significantly
- You feel pressured to resign
- You are experiencing harassment, bullying, or sexual harassment at work
- You believe you are facing discrimination or retaliation
- Your employer denied disability accommodation or benefits
- Your employer withheld commissions, bonuses, or other compensation
- You are asked to sign a new employment contract or restrictive covenant
Seeking legal advice early can help you understand your position and avoid unintended consequences.
Understanding Employment Law in Ontario
Employment rights in Ontario depend on whether an employee is provincially regulated or federally regulated.
Most employees in Ontario are governed by provincial employment law, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and common law principles. These rules apply to the majority of workplaces and set minimum standards for matters such as notice of termination, severance pay, vacation, hours of work, and leaves. In many cases, statutory minimums do not represent the full extent of an employee’s legal rights.
Some employees in Ontario are federally regulated and are instead governed by the Canada Labour Code. This typically includes employees working in federally regulated industries such as banking, telecommunications, interprovincial or international transportation, aviation, railways, and certain Crown corporations.
Federally regulated employees may have different rights and remedies than provincially regulated employees, including unique protections related to termination, severance pay, overtime, and unjust dismissal.
Employment contracts and workplace policies may also contain terms that are unclear or unenforceable, depending on how they are drafted and applied. Understanding whether provincial or federal law applies is an important first step in assessing your rights.
Employment Law Issues We Assist With
Termination and Severance
- Wrongful Dismissal
- Constructive Dismissal
- Severance Pay, Severance Packages and Termination Pay
- Termination With Cause and Termination Without Cause
- Layoffs
Workplace Harassment and Human Rights
- Workplace Harassment and Toxic Work Environments
- Human Rights and Discrimination (including disability and accommodation)
Disability Claims
Employment Contracts and Compensation
- Employment Contracts and Agreements
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Clauses
- Commission and Bonus Disputes
Class Actions
Serving Toronto, the GTA, and All of Ontario
We assist non-union employees throughout Toronto, the GTA, and across Ontario, including:
- Toronto (Downtown, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke)
- Mississauga and Brampton
- Vaughan and Richmond Hill
- Markham and York Region
- Oakville, Burlington, and Halton Region
- Hamilton and surrounding communities
- Other cities and regions across Ontario
Speak With an Employment Lawyer
If you are dealing with a workplace issue, you can request a consultation to discuss your situation and potential next steps.
Request a free 30 minute phone consultation
Call (416) 907-9249
At Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers, our knowledgeable team offers clear, practical legal advice to help you address concerns promptly and efficiently. Don’t wait for problems to grow—contact us today.