Wrongful Dismissal (BC)

Being fired is stressful, but being fired unfairly or without proper compensation is even worse. Many employees in British Columbia are let go without notice, severance, or respect for the law.

The good news: BC employees have strong protections, and you may be entitled to significant compensation.

If you were dismissed without cause, fired suddenly, pressured to resign, or treated unfairly, our wrongful dismissal lawyers in BC can help you understand your rights and take action.

What Is Wrongful Dismissal in British Columbia?

A wrongful dismissal (also called wrongful termination) happens when your employer ends your employment without:

Providing proper notice or severance
Following the terms of your employment contract
Meeting legal standards under BC employment law

Even if your employer says it was “simple restructuring,” “poor performance,” or “not a good fit,” it may still legally count as wrongful dismissal.

You may have a claim if you were:

Fired without proper notice
Let go with an inadequate severance package
Terminated after returning from medical leave
Dismissed for unclear or unfair reasons
Forced to resign (constructive dismissal)
Targeted after making a complaint or asserting your rights

Most BC employees receive far more compensation under common law than what employers initially offer.

How Much Severance Am I Owed After Wrongful Dismissal in BC?

Your entitlement depends on factors such as:

Age
Role and responsibilities
Length of service
Job market conditions
How the termination occurred

Many employees are owed 8 to 24 months of compensation, sometimes more.

Our BC wrongful dismissal lawyers assess your true entitlement and negotiate firmly to secure it.

Unfair Dismissal in British Columbia: Common Situations

You may have been wrongfully or unfairly dismissed if:

You were fired on the spot with no valid reason
You were dismissed after requesting accommodation
Your job was eliminated but new hires replaced you
You were blamed for issues outside your control
A workplace conflict was used as an excuse to push you out
You were terminated during a probation extension

Even if the employer claims “just cause,” many BC just cause terminations fail the legal test and become wrongful dismissals.

How Our Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers Help BC Employees

“Being dismissed can feel overwhelming and unfair. Many employees don’t realize they may have strong legal rights or that their termination may be considered wrongful.
We help people understand their options, secure fair compensation, and move forward with confidence.”
— Christopher Achkar, Employment Lawyer

We guide employees through every step, including:

Reviewing your termination letter and severance offer
Calculating your real compensation under BC law
Identifying whether the dismissal was unfair or unlawful
Negotiating a stronger severance package
Filing a claim if the employer refuses to settle
Protecting you from pressure, retaliation, or intimidation

We make the process clear, strategic, and focused on results.

What to Do If You Were Wrongfully Terminated in BC

Before you sign anything:

Do NOT accept your employer’s severance offer yet
Do NOT sign a release or settlement
Do NOT resign, unless advised to
Do Collect documents, including emails, performance reviews, and contracts
Do Talk to a wrongful dismissal lawyer

Once you sign a release, you usually cannot claim additional compensation.

VIDEO: The Human Rights Application Process in Ontario

Gain a thorough understanding of the Human Rights Application process in Ontario with this video hosted by experienced human rights lawyers from Achkar Law.

This video covers everything from the initial application steps to what to expect during mediation and hearings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Rights at Work

Do I need a lawyer to file a human rights complaint?

While you are not required to have a human rights lawyer, legal guidance greatly improves your chances of success.

Is workplace harassment considered a human rights issue?

If harassment is based on a protected ground under the Code, it may be a human rights violation.

What workplace accommodations am I entitled to?

Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to the point of undue hardship.

How long do I have to file a human rights complaint in Ontario?

The general deadline is one year from the last incident of discrimination.

Arthur Truong

I had the pleasure of getting legal advice with Mackenzie on reviewing my severance package, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the service. From the initial consultation, Mackenzie was thorough, professional, and genuinely helpful in explaining the details of the package and ensuring I understood my rights. He took the time to address all of my questions, and his expertise gave me confidence in navigating the process. Thanks to his attention to detail, I felt well-informed and supported throughout. I highly recommend Mackenzie for anyone needing legal guidance in employment matters or severance agreements!

Jeff Wilkinson

Achkar Law has provided exceptional service on our files. Litigation, small claims, HR, etc. I would highly recommend them!

Response from the owner:Hi Jeff, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad our team could support you across a range of matters, from litigation to HR-related issues. We appreciate your trust in us and your recommendation.

Robert Waud

I went to Achkar law for a problem and they were outstanding. Thank you for all your help

Response from the owner:Hi Robert, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re glad we could help and really appreciate your kind words.

Melissa Brown

Everyone at Achkar Law has been friendly, helpful and easy to deal with. Great answers and support with quick response. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Hi Melissa, thank you for the kind words. We’re glad your experience with our team felt easy and supportive, and that you were able to get clear answers quickly. We really appreciate you taking the time to recommend us.

greg gilbert

Dealing with the Achkar team was an excellent experience from start to finish. From my initial conversations with Travis to the thoughtful follow-up calls from Rachel, I always felt heard, supported, and respected. Reaching out for legal help isn’t easy, but the Achkar team made the process clear and reassuring. I knew I had made the right choice and that I truly mattered as a client. Thank you to the entire Achkar team.

Response from the owner:Hi Greg, thank you for sharing this. We know reaching out for legal help can feel daunting, so it means a lot to hear that you felt heard and supported throughout the process. We’re glad Travis and Rachel helped make things feel clear and reassuring from the start. Your trust in our Toronto team is truly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback.

Professional Miner Red Lake

I spoke with a paralegal regarding a wrongful dismissal case, the insight gathered from the initial consult was clear and concise. They were informed and familiar with process forward in providing guidance on achieving a maximum outcome and resolution.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad the initial consultation helped clarify the wrongful dismissal issues and provided practical guidance on next steps. Offering clear, straightforward insight early on is important to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to leave this feedback.

JON BROCK Real Estate Partners

Chris from ACHKAR Law has been an incredible resource for our business’ legal needs. He has given us the comfort and confidence we need to navigate a complex issue and plan ahead for the future. Thank you Chris and team!

Response from the owner:Hi Jon, thank you for the kind words. We’re really glad Chris and the team could give you the clarity and confidence you needed while planning ahead. Supporting businesses through complex workplace issues is an important part of what we do, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Marta Michalek

Chris and his team were incredible. Our case was more complicated than just severance negotiation, and I reached out to multiple firms and it seemed that many were not interested when it wasn't a cut and dry case. Chris had a strategy session with us, gave us our realistic options, and guided us through every single step. His team was incredibly quick and responsive. It was almost a 6-month process, but we came out with the outcome we hoped for, and we could not thank Chris and team enough for all of their support.

Response from the owner:Hi Marta, thank you so much for sharing this. We know how frustrating it can be when a situation isn’t straightforward, and we’re glad Chris and the team took the time to walk you through your options and support you throughout the process. Seeing things through over many months isn’t easy, and it means a lot to know you felt guided and supported along the way. We truly appreciate your trust in our Toronto employment law team and are pleased that the outcome matched your expectations.

mar pas

We had a consultation with Charles we very impressed. We told him our side and and he explained everything with details and depth and professionalism. His thoughtful approach made everything easy to understand and gave us confidence to move forward. I would highly recommend Charles and his team at Achkar Law. We look forward to work with him and his Team.

Response from the owner:Hi Mar, thank you for taking the time to share this. We’re really glad your conversation with Charles gave you clarity and confidence moving forward. Taking the time to listen and explain things in a way that makes sense is important to us, so it’s great to hear that came through. We appreciate the recommendation and look forward to continuing to work with you.

Nathaly Murray

Very quick to respond and I received useful advice. Professional and friendly. Thank you

Response from the owner:Hi Nathaly, thank you for your feedback. We’re glad we could respond quickly and provide advice that was helpful to you. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Laurel Gillespie

From initial contact, the team has been stellar. Very professional and attentive. Highly recommend whether as an employer or employee, they show up for you.

Response from the owner:Hi Laurel, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re really glad we were able to help and appreciate you sharing your experience with others.

Negin

We had an hour consultation meeting with Charles today. He was very knowledgeable and informative. He gave us several options to consider. I would highly recommend Charles and this firm.

Response from the owner:Hi Negin, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear your consultation with Charles was helpful and that you left with clear options to consider. Our Toronto employment law team truly appreciates your recommendation. We’re here whenever you need support.

Geoff Brisson

I was very satisfied with Madison, She answered questions got me that I didn't even know had to be asked aswell as a solid approach to a complicated scenario. She left me with a genuine feeling of wanting what was in my best interest. Thanks Madison and Achkar law.

Response from the owner:Hi Geoff, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad to hear Madison was able to guide you through a complicated situation and raise the questions that really mattered. It’s great to know you left feeling supported and confident in the approach she outlined. Our Toronto employment law team truly appreciates your kind words.

AMIT PATEL

Great Service and discovery. Would definetly recommand service.

Response from the owner:Hi Amit, thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you had a great experience with our Toronto employment law team and truly appreciate your recommendation. We’re here if you ever need support again.

Robert McAuley (Rob)

Very professional and helpful, would recommend

Response from the owner:Thank you, Robert! We’re happy to hear you found our Toronto employment law team professional and helpful. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are here if you ever need support again.

Patricialeyi Lei

I met with Mark Jackman last week Friday to discuss a document that required a legal review before submitting for signature. He was very insightful and knowledgeable in regards employment law. The conversation was very pleasant and he provided me with legal information that was helpful that would guide me in my own review of the document. I would definitely contact the law firm again and provide a referral to anyone who asked. I had a successful outcome and I would use the same law firm again. THANK YOU!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Patricialeyi, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad Mark was able to provide the insight and guidance you needed during your document intake review. It’s great to hear that his knowledge helped you feel confident and led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate your trust in our Toronto team, and your kind recommendation means a lot to us!

GTA Stem03

Charles was extremely helpful in providing me with the facts and information I needed and the firm was extremely responsive in addressing my situation. A great experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad Charles and our Toronto employment law team were able to provide the information and support you needed. It’s great to hear you had such a positive experience with us.

Francis Tamayo

Very helpful! Had a meeting with Alexandra, she helped me on everything I need to know and what processes is needed about my situation.

Response from the owner:Hi Francis, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad to hear Alexandra was able to walk you through everything you needed to know and help you understand the process clearly. It’s great to know our Toronto employment law team could support you with your situation.

David Hall

Outstanding service. Straight forward, down to earth, very professional advice. Highly recommended as a lifetime law firm.

Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our Toronto employment law team and appreciated the clear, down-to-earth advice. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We’ll be here whenever you need trusted legal support.

Anna Sunn

I had a strategy session with Madison - she was phenomenal. She had answers to questions that I hadn’t even asked yet. She was very realistic and played out different scenarios which helped give me a better perspective. These are not fun situations to be in, if you have any legal questions regarding employment you should absolutely schedule a session.

Response from the owner:Hi Anna, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad to hear Madison was able to give you clarity and perspective during your strategy session. We know employment situations can be stressful, and it’s great to know her realistic approach helped you feel more confident about your options. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are here whenever you need guidance from our Toronto employment law team.

SHAN RAMANATHAN

Very professional and Knowledgeable staff.

Response from the owner:Hi Shan, thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team. If you ever need guidance on an employment law matter, we’ll be here to help.

Deb Sal

Years ago, I had a negative experience with a different law firm and was unsure what to expect from Ackhar Law. Let me just say this. The experience was professional, timely, and most of all effective. Charles, Alicia, and Babak made this experience seamless and took care of all things big and small. I am extremely greatful. If you have an employment issue, you NEED to give this office a call.

Response from the owner:Hi Deb, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re so glad Charles, Alicia, and Babak were able to turn things around for you after your past experience and make the process feel seamless. It means a lot to know you felt taken care of, and we truly appreciate your trust in our team of employment lawyers. We’ll be here whenever you need support with workplace matters.

Qianqiu Zhang

I had a great conversation with Lawyer Charles at the initial meeting, and I can also get a quick reply from their team！

Response from the owner:Hi Qianqui, we’re so glad you had a great first conversation with Charles! It’s always our goal to make things feel clear and approachable from the start, so it’s great to hear you felt supported and got quick responses from our team.

David T

Sincere thanks to the Achkar Law Team. During our interactions I was able to ask multiple questions and received clear responses and timely advice. I also gained a better understanding of applicable laws and regulations during our discussion.

Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your kind words. We’re glad our team could answer your questions and give you the clarity you needed. It’s great to know the conversation helped you better understand the laws and regulations around your situation. We’re here if you ever need guidance from an employment lawyer again.

Mark A

I had a consultation over teams with Clifford about a couple months ago and he explained everything I need to know starting from the rights & entitlements I have, and breaking down my contract in simpler terms. He also gave some recommendations which helped me concluding my decision. Would recommend this firm to assess your case

Response from the owner:Hi Mark, thank you for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that Clifford was able to walk you through your rights, clarify your contract, and help you feel confident in making your decision. We’re glad you felt supported, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.