When you lose your job, things move fast. You’re handed a termination letter maybe a severance offer and are often expected to sign it immediately. But do you actually know what you’re signing?
Many employees in Ontario don’t realise they may be entitled to far more in their severance package in Ontario than what’s initially offered by their employer. At Taman Singh Law, we help you understand your full severance entitlements before you settle for less.
Terminated? Do this Next.
When you are fired, your employer may present you with a termination agreement to sign. They may also provide you with a severance payment with a very strict timeline. Do not sign anything until you have spoken with an employment lawyer. We provide consultations to clients who have been fired and need to review their severance package.
Are You Entitled to Severance Pay?
Severance pay isn’t just a “nice-to-have” thing. In most cases, it’s a legal requirement under Ontario employment law, including ESA termination pay obligations that set minimum standards for employers.
Employers usually provide less than what employees deserve in the expectation that employees would sign the agreement without consulting a lawyer. When the employee signs the release, he or she will have signed away any further right to additional compensation.
An employee’s severance pay is determined by a variety of factors including age, length of employment, position, salary, perks and the ability to find a new comparable job.
Severance pay is not defined in common law as one or two weeks’ wages. An employee who was fired without cause may be entitled to up to 24 months’ salary.
It is very important that you are well informed about your rights and entitlements. Get in touch with us today so that we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Not sure about your rights after termination? Our team of employment law experts can help you understand your entitlements.
Contact usNot All Severance Offers Are Fair
Most severance packages are designed to protect the employer—not the employee.
We regularly review severance offers that fall far below what the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and common law notice entitle you to.
Employers have the option of terminating a non-unionized employee’s job without reason by issuing notice of termination in one of two methods (or a combination of both), which together form part of your notice pay in Ontario:
Working Notice: when an employer informs an employee that their employment will be terminated at some point in the future and permits the employee to continue working under the same terms and circumstances until that date; or
Pay in Lieu of Notice: When an employer informs an employee that their employment will be terminated immediately and pays the employee the earnings they would have received if they had kept working throughout the notice period.
The aim of giving termination notice is to give an employee who is fired without cause a fair amount of time to find another similar job. During the notice period, the employee may be eligible for all employment benefits, including salaries, vehicle allowance, and pension contribution, among others.
The length of an employee’s notice period is unaffected by whether the employer offers working notice or pay money in lieu. Rather, the Court considers. the following factors in determining the appropriate notice periods
When an employer fires an employee without cause it normally gives a severance package in exchange for the person’s agreement to sign a full and final resignation.
Before signing any termination agreements, it is essential that you are informed of your rights and entitlements.
Not sure about your rights after termination? Our team of employment law experts can help you understand your entitlements.
Contact usDon’t Sign Anything Without Talking to Us
You’re not legally required to accept a severance offer immediately. And once it’s signed, options may disappear.
At Taman Singh Law, we:
Whether you’re navigating job loss or unclear on your rights—don’t go it alone.
Not sure about your rights after termination? Our team of employment law experts can help you understand your entitlements.
Contact us
One of the best experiences I've had 👍. Extremely professional.
Saransh Kandai have had the pleasure of dealing with Taman Singh and he has been amazing. It was a wrongful dismal case. i called him in a panic and he assisted me with my case and assured me every step of the process. He always returned calls promptly and explained things to be step by step. I found him very supportive and managed to put my mind at ease through the process. He always explained my options with every step and i would highly recommend him any time. THANK YOU TAMAN for your support
kathy raynerWe have an amazing experience dealing with Taman Singh. We contacted him to apply for my sister’s visitor visa. We were guided from step 1 to all the way to the end. Everyone of our phone’s calls, emails and SMS were answered in a timely manner. All the work was undertaken by them. All we have to do was provide with all the necessary documents requested by them. He even did the application online and took care of everything including paying the fees online. I would highly recommend Taman Singh to all my family and friends for their immigration needs. Once again thank you for all you help in this application process.
Jeyaratnam JeyarubanI was laid off and not given a proper severance package. I enlisted the help of Taman Singh and I got more than I expected!! I would highly recommend hiring Taman.
Steve ValladaresNeeded an employment lawyer for wrong termination from work , and found Taman. Taman made sure he was giving me the right guidance at each step, the communication was great. I would highly recommend as with Taman you can never go wrong. He would work with you and for you to get you what you deserve and even more
KK KhannaI needed a lawyer for being terminated after maternity leave. Pleased with the results
Sarah DawdI was wrong fully terminated from my employment and not given severence and with the help of Mr Taman Singh (RZCD FIRM), I was able to get my severence money and I am fully satisfied with the settlement. I am highely recommended Mr.Taman.
Jayakumar NadarajahTaman's been a great lawyer, he helped with my house closing and couldn't have been a better partner. Thank you Taman!
Sabariesan PavananthanTaman was very professional from the time he reviewed my exit package and laid out the process for me to understand which made feel I found the right lawyer and had hired him . He was always available and quick to respond to my calls and emails. I will refer and hire him for any future requirement.
Suresh Vallamsetty
At Taman Singh Law, your needs come first. We deliver professional, timely, and practical legal services, recognizing that the legal process can feel intimidating.
From our initial consultation, we prioritize excellent customer and legal service, ensuring you are well-informed and supported every step of the way.
We are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for you through a focused and efficient strategy, customized to your individual requirements. Count on us to be your trusted support when you need it most.
Taman Singh is a lawyer at RZCD Law Firm LLP, a firm with a long-standing commitment to the Greater Toronto Area since 1993.
Common questions to help you understand your severance rights.
Don’t rush. You’re allowed time, and a legal review could reveal more options.
Yes. Severance offers are often negotiable—especially if only ESA minimums are offered.
There may still be ways to challenge it. Contact us for a consultation.
Absolutely. Employment lawyers know how to spot issues and protect your rights.
ESA is the legal minimum. Common law can entitle you to much more—often several months of additional compensation.