Employment Lawyers for Employees in Ontario and British Columbia

If you are dealing with a termination, a severance offer, workplace harassment or discrimination, or another employment issue, getting legal advice early can protect your compensation and your options. Achkar Law's employment lawyers advise employees across Ontario and British Columbia on severance, wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, harassment and discrimination, employment contracts, and workplace disputes. Understanding your rights is hard, especially when an employer imposes a deadline or asks you to sign something. Select your province below to find the right service, or contact us directly if you are not sure where to start.

Select Your Province to Find Employee Legal Services

Find the Right Legal Service for Your Situation

Not sure which service applies to you? Find your situation below and choose your province.

I was terminated or laid off

If you were terminated without cause or offered a severance package, you may be entitled to significantly more than your employer offered. Get advice before signing anything. Ontario: wrongful dismissal, termination without cause, severance. BC: wrongful dismissal, termination without cause, severance.

My employer changed my job without my consent

If your employer significantly changed your role, pay, or working conditions without your agreement, you may have been constructively dismissed and may be entitled to severance. Ontario: constructive dismissal. BC: constructive dismissal.

I was told I was fired for cause

Being dismissed for cause is serious, but the legal standard is high, and many employees dismissed for cause are actually entitled to severance. Do not accept a cause termination without advice. Ontario: termination for just cause. BC: termination for cause.

I am experiencing harassment or discrimination

If you have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic, you may have rights under human rights legislation. Ontario: human rights, workplace harassment. BC: human rights.

I have an employment contract issue

Whether you are reviewing a new contract, worried about a non-compete clause, or disputing the terms of your agreement, an employment contract lawyer can help. Ontario: employment contract lawyer, independent contractors, executive severance. BC: employment contracts.

I have a workplace dispute or other issue

Employment disputes, Ministry of Labour complaints, and long-term disability claims all benefit from early advice. Ontario: employment disputes and litigation, Ministry of Labour complaints, long-term disability. BC: employment disputes and workplace conflict, long-term disability.

Why Employees Choose Achkar Law

Employee Legal Services: Common Questions

What situations does an employee lawyer help with?

An employee lawyer helps individuals understand and enforce their workplace rights. Common situations include wrongful dismissal and termination disputes, severance package reviews, constructive dismissal claims, workplace harassment and discrimination, employment contract disputes, human rights complaints, and employment standards violations. Achkar Law advises employees across Ontario and British Columbia on all of these, from initial assessment through negotiation, tribunal proceedings, and litigation where required.

Do employment laws differ between Ontario and British Columbia?

Yes. The provinces have separate employment standards legislation: Ontario employees are governed by the Employment Standards Act, 2000, while BC employees are governed by the BC Employment Standards Act. Human rights protections are administered by separate tribunals in each province. Common-law principles around reasonable notice apply in both, but the amounts courts award can differ. Achkar Law has offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver and advises employees under both frameworks.

When should I contact an employment lawyer?

Before signing a severance agreement, before resigning from a job where your employer has made conditions difficult, after receiving a termination notice, when experiencing harassment or discrimination, and before signing any employment contract or revised agreement. Early advice almost always leads to better outcomes than waiting until a situation has escalated, and time limits apply to many employment claims in both provinces, so acting promptly matters.

What is the difference between wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal?

Wrongful dismissal is where an employee is formally terminated without proper notice or severance. Constructive dismissal is where an employer makes significant unilateral changes to the employee's role, pay, or conditions, effectively forcing the employee out without a formal termination. Both are treated as dismissals in law and may entitle you to compensation. Ontario: wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal. BC: wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal.

Does Achkar Law serve employees outside Toronto and Vancouver?

Yes. We have offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver and serve employees across Ontario and British Columbia. We regularly conduct consultations and handle employment matters virtually, so your location within either province is not a barrier to getting experienced legal advice. We serve employees in communities across both provinces, not just the major cities.

Not Sure Where to Start? Speak With an Employment Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with a workplace issue in Ontario or British Columbia, tell us what is happening and we will assess your situation and point you in the right direction for your province and your issue. You can also reach us at 1-800-771-7882. We serve employees in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, and throughout Ontario and British Columbia, with virtual consultations available.