by eruditelaw | Aug 19, 2026 | Employment Law
In Baker v. Van Dolder’s Home Team Inc., 2026 ONCA 568, the Ontario Court of Appeal clarified how courts should interpret termination clauses that permit an employer to terminate employment “at any time” or “for any reason.”
The Court held that these phrases do not automatically violate the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”). Termination provisions must be read practically, in the context of the employment agreement as a whole, rather than by isolating individual words and considering hypothetical interpretations.
The Facts of the Two Cases
Frederick Baker began working for Van Dolder’s Home Team Inc. in November 2020 as its Controller and Head of Finance. His employment agreement allowed the company to terminate his employment without cause “at any time” by providing the minimum notice, termination pay and, if applicable, severance pay required by the ESA.
The agreement also contained a for-cause provision. Although it defined cause more broadly than the ESA’s wilful-misconduct standard, it expressly preserved any minimum compensation and entitlements required by the ESA. A separate clause stated that the employer would comply with the ESA “at all times.”
Van Dolder terminated Mr. Baker’s employment without cause in March 2023. He received his minimum ESA entitlement of two weeks’ termination pay. Mr. Baker brought a wrongful dismissal action, arguing that the termination clauses were unenforceable and that he was entitled to common-law reasonable notice.
The Superior Court agreed with Mr. Baker. It found that the words “at any time” could permit termination in circumstances prohibited by the ESA. The employer appealed.
The Court heard the appeal together with Li v. Wayfair Canada ULC. Song Li’s agreement allowed Wayfair to terminate his employment without cause “at any time and for any reason,” while repeatedly confirming that he would receive no less than his minimum ESA entitlements.
Wayfair terminated Mr. Li’s employment after approximately nine months and provided one week of salary and benefit continuation. The Superior Court upheld his termination clause, and Mr. Li appealed.
The result was two appeals involving similar contractual language but conflicting lower court decisions.
Are “At Any Time” and “For Any Reason” Enforceable?
The Court of Appeal upheld both without-cause termination provisions.
The Court confirmed that employment agreements require careful scrutiny because of the power imbalance between employers and employees and the remedial purpose of the ESA. An employment contract cannot provide less than the ESA requires, and a genuinely ambiguous termination clause should generally be interpreted in the employee’s favour.
However, a clause is not ambiguous merely because counsel can identify a possible or hypothetical interpretation. There must be two or more reasonable interpretations when the agreement is read as a whole.
In Mr. Baker’s agreement, the phrase “at any time” meant that a without-cause termination could be contractually effective whenever it occurred, provided that the termination complied with the agreement and applicable legislation. It did not authorize dismissal following a protected leave, as an unlawful reprisal or in other circumstances prohibited by law.
The Court reached the same conclusion concerning “for any reason” in Mr. Li’s contract. Those words meant that Wayfair did not need to establish cause or provide a particular business reason for ending the employment relationship. They did not permit Wayfair to terminate an employee for a reason prohibited by the ESA, the Human Rights Code or another statute.
The For-Cause Provision
The Court also upheld the for-cause provision in Mr. Baker’s agreement.
Common-law just cause and the ESA’s wilful-misconduct standard are not the same. An employer may have just cause at common law but still be required to provide the employee’s minimum ESA entitlements because the statutory standard is more demanding.
Although Mr. Baker’s agreement defined cause broadly, it expressly preserved any minimum compensation and entitlements required by the ESA. The Court found that this language brought the provision into compliance with the ESA.
The agreement was not required to explain the legal difference between common-law just cause and statutory wilful misconduct. It was sufficient that the employee’s minimum ESA entitlements were clearly preserved.
What Was the Outcome?
The Court allowed Van Dolder’s appeal and dismissed Mr. Baker’s wrongful dismissal action. It also dismissed Mr. Li’s appeal and upheld Wayfair’s termination clause.
Because the clauses were enforceable and both employees had received their ESA minimums, neither was entitled to common-law reasonable notice.
Does Waksdale Still Apply?
Yes. Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc., 2020 ONCA 391, remains binding law in Ontario.
Under Waksdale, termination provisions are generally considered together. A clause that violates the ESA may render the entire contractual termination scheme unenforceable, even if the employer relied on another provision when dismissing the employee.
The Court declined to reconsider Waksdale because the termination provisions before it were ESA-compliant. Employers should therefore not treat Baker as overruling or weakening Waksdale.
What Does This Mean for Ontario Employers and Employees?
Baker provides welcome clarity, but it does not mean that every agreement containing the words “at any time” or “for any reason” will be enforceable. The entire agreement must still comply with the ESA and clearly preserve minimum notice, termination pay, benefit continuation and any applicable severance pay.
Employers should review their employment agreements following this decision. Employees should obtain legal advice before accepting a termination package or signing a release, as the difference between ESA minimums and common-law reasonable notice can be substantial.
Our Ontario employment lawyers advise employers and employees on employment contracts, wrongful dismissal, termination packages and ESA compliance. Contact our firm to discuss how Baker v. Van Dolder may affect your rights or obligations.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
by eruditelaw | Sep 30, 2025 | Blog Post, Employment Law, Uncategorized
On July 9, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in Li v. Wayfair Canada ULC, 2025 ONSC 2959. The case addresses the enforceability of termination provisions in an employment contract and how they stand up against the Court of Appeal’s guidance in Dufault v. Township of Ignace.
Facts of the Case
Song Li was hired by Wayfair Canada ULC as a Senior Product Manager in January 2023. His compensation package was lucrative, including a salary of $221,564, benefits, RRSP contributions, and potential restricted stock units (RSUs). After just under nine months of service, Li was dismissed without cause in October 2023.
Upon termination, Li received one week of salary and benefits—exactly the minimum entitlements under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”). No letter of reference or outplacement services were provided.
Li brought an action for wrongful dismissal, seeking summary judgment. He argued that the termination clauses in his employment agreement were unenforceable, which would entitle him to common law reasonable notice.
The Plaintiff’s Arguments
Li challenged both the “for cause” and “without cause” provisions in the agreement:
- For Cause: The agreement allowed termination “at any time for Cause without notice… unless expressly required by the ESA.” Li argued this language unlawfully deprived employees of ESA protections, contrary to Dufault v. Township of Ignace.
- Without Cause: The clause restricted entitlements to “only the minimum statutory amounts” under the ESA. Li argued that this unlawfully narrowed his rights and therefore invalidated the entire termination provision.
Relying on Dufault, Li argued that because one aspect of a termination clause was non-compliant, the whole termination regime fell. He sought five months’ common law notice, which would also have captured a $73,017 USD RSU grant scheduled to vest in February 2024.
The Defendant’s Arguments
Wayfair countered that the contract was enforceable:
- The “for cause” language expressly incorporated the ESA definition of cause.
- The “without cause” language repeatedly tied entitlements to the ESA’s minimum requirements, making it ESA-compliant.
- Li had already received all that the ESA required.
The company also argued that Li failed to mitigate, noting he applied for only 28 jobs in five months, some at levels (such as Vice President) for which he was not qualified.
The Court’s Decision
Justice Dow upheld the enforceability of the termination provisions. Unlike in Dufault, the Wayfair contract expressly tied the definition of “cause” to the ESA and clearly provided ESA minimums for without-cause terminations. The Court distinguished Dufault on this basis, finding that the clause in that case omitted required entitlements and used broader language (“any time”) without tethering to the ESA.
Because the contract was valid, Li was limited to the ESA minimum of one week’s salary and benefits, which he had already received. His claim for common law notice was dismissed.
What If the Clause Had Been Invalid?
In obiter, the Court noted that if the termination clause were unenforceable, it would have awarded Li four months’ common law notice (not the five he claimed). This would have included entitlement to the February 2024 RSUs, as courts generally treat stock options and bonuses as part of compensation during the notice period (Paquette v. TeraGo Networks).
Key Takeaway
This decision reaffirms that Ontario courts will carefully parse termination provisions to ensure they comply with the ESA. Employers can take comfort that clauses explicitly referencing and incorporating ESA definitions—especially around “cause”—are more likely to be upheld.
At the same time, Li highlights that employees continue to test these clauses, often relying on Dufault. The difference lies in the drafting: if an agreement fails to track the ESA minimums precisely, it risks being struck down, with significant common law liability as the result.
Need More Information?
For more information or assistance related to employment contracts or ending the employment relationship, contact us at info@eruditelaw.com
The contents of this blog is not legal advice.
by eruditelaw | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog Post, Employment Law
Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, 2024 ONSC 1029: Employers may not have “sole discretion” in terminating an employee without cause.
In recent years, employers have been dealt blow after blow as Ontario Courts continue to find ways to void termination provisions in employment contracts. Last month, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice continued this trend by finding that an employment contract was unenforceable because, among other reasons, it allowed the employer to terminate the employee’s employment in its “sole discretion” and “at any time”.
The employee, Karen Dufault, entered into a fixed-term employment contract of two years with the defendant employer, The Corporation of the Township of Ignance. The employer subsequently terminated her employment, without cause, two months into the employment relationship.
Ms. Dufault then brought an action against the Township for salary and benefits for the remaining term of the employment contract. She argued that the termination clauses in the employment contract violated the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”). Specifically, Ms. Dufault argued that:
- the “for cause” termination clause allowed for termination without notice in broader circumstances than permitted by the ESA;
- the “without cause” termination clause suggested that the employer could pay less payment in lieu of notice than would be required by the ESA; and
- the “without cause” termination clause opened the door to allow the employer to terminate employment in its “sole discretion” and “at any time”.
The Court accepted Ms. Dufault’s arguments and held that the employment contract was not enforceable because:
- the employment agreement would have allowed the employer to terminate the employment relationship “for cause” for reasons that did not meet the standards under the ESA for termination without notice;
- the employment agreement attempted to limit the payment in lieu of notice to “base salary”, which is less than the requirement amount pursuant to the
Finally, and perhaps most problematic of all for lawyers and employers is that the Court held that the termination “without cause” provision was invalid because it allowed the employer to terminate an employee in its “sole discretion” and “at any time”:
[46] Thirdly, the plaintiff submits that Article 4.02 misstates the ESA when it gives the employer “sole discretion” to terminate the employee’s employment at any time. I agree with this submission. The Act prohibits the employer from terminating an employee on the conclusion of an employee’s leave (s. 53) or in reprisal for attempting to exercise a right under the Act (s. 74). Thus, the right of the employer to dismiss is not absolute.
The Court reasoned that this would allow an employer to terminate an employee even if they were returning from protected leave or due to reprisal for the employee exercising their legal rights.
As a result, Ms. Dufault was entitled to her salary and benefits for the remainder of the fixed term employment contract.
Takeaways
While it remains to be seen whether this decision will be appealed, the growing body of case law voiding termination provisions are becoming increasing strict. Employers and their lawyers should be mindful of these new developments and review their employment agreements regularly to determine whether their contracts require revisions for both new and existing employees.
A copy of the decision is linked here: Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, 2024 ONSC 1029
The contents of this blog is not legal advice. If you would like your employment contract reviewed, contact our team of lawyers at Erudite Law LLP for a consultation.
by Alvin Leung | Aug 11, 2021 | Blog Post, Contracts, Employment Law
“I hope this finds you well during these unprecedented times.”
This is a phrase I’m sure most Canadians are sick of reading and sick of typing.
During these unprecedented times, Canadian workers have taken the time to re-evaluate their needs and priorities. We are asking ourselves if we want to continue living our lives the same way we did “PP” Pre-Pandemic. We’ve transitioned to work from home models, closed physical offices, are considering a 4-hour workweek. The landscape of employment is changing as people want more control, more autonomy and more flexibility.
In light of this, many people are considering a switch from being an employee to being an independent contractor. Below are some preliminary considerations when making this transition.
Benefits of being an independent contractor
- Determining your own work/life balance.
- Setting your own schedule.
- Seeing a direct correlation between the time spent and the money earned.
- Working for multiple companies at once.
Downsides of being an independent contractor
- No employment benefits.
- No guarantee of consistent income.
- No protection under the Employment Standards Act.
- Taxes are not withheld on your behalf.
Things to consider before getting started
- Do you require liability insurance?
- Do you need to be registered with WSIB?
- Do you require any licenses to complete your work?
- Are you required to charge H.S.T. on your goods/services?
- Are you providing goods/services to individuals or businesses?
- If you are providing goods/services to individuals, are you compliant with the Consumer Protection Act?
- What warranties will you provide?
Independent Contractor Agreements
Any experienced contractor will tell you that scope creep is one of the primary issues they face in ensuring that they are paid fairly for their efforts. Independent contractor agreements are useful tools to clarify the scope of work and protect you from scope creep. Additionally, having a formal written contract will clarify cost, time lines, warranties, and more. This can prevent disagreement and clarify any ambiguity between the parties regarding what was agreed upon and can save significant costs in the event of litigation. When it comes to these contracts, we typically see is contractors using a “master agreement” which sets out their terms and conditions which apply to all jobs, followed by shorter subsidiary contracts which set out the specific scope of the current project, as well as any project-specific elements. Regardless of the format, an independent contractor agreement is a key part of your upfront cost, which can save you the headache and cost of unpaid services to clients and litigation in the event of a disagreement.
If you would like to learn more about independent contractors or would like to speak to one of our lawyers regarding your independent contractor agreement, contact us by phone at 905-471-6161 or email us at info@eruditelaw.com.
Author: Syrah Y. Yusuf
by Alvin Leung | Jul 23, 2021 | Blog Post, Contracts, Employment Law
Last year, the Ontario Court of Appeal in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc., 2020 ONCA 391, slapped employers across the face causing an upheaval in employment law, resulting in the possibility that your employment contract might no longer be enforceable. Specifically, employers may be required to review and revise their termination provisions with their employees, otherwise, upon termination, the employer may find themselves paying a lot more to the employee than anticipated.
In Waksdale, the employer terminated Mr. Waksdale “without cause”. Pursuant to his employment agreement with the employer, the termination clause provided that the employer only had to pay him the minimum statutory entitlement set out in the Employment Standards Act. Mr. Waksdale was only employed for eight (8) months, thus under the ESA, he was only entitled to one (1) week pay-in-lieu of notice. Rather than accept this, Mr. Waksdale brought an action against his employer for six (6) months pay-in-lieu of notice under common law.
At trial, counsel for Mr. Waksdale argued that the termination clause was void, and thus the employment contract was unenforceable. Specifically, that a separate “termination for just cause” clause elsewhere in the employment agreement contravened Regulation 288/01 of the ESA Regulations. The Ontario Court of Appeal agreed and held that the wording in the “termination for just cause” section was inconsistent with the ESA Regulation, and that alone voided the remaining termination provisions in the employment contract.
“That’s Fine, I have a Severability Clause” No, apparently it is not fine. Despite the employment agreement in Waksdale having a severability clause, the Court of Appeal declined to apply it since it would not have any effect on a contract term which was void by statute.
What Is Just Cause Then?
The Courts have held that “just cause” includes actions where an employer can terminate an employee without paying reasonable notice at common law. These include actions by the employee such as dishonest conduct, insubordination, violence, sexual harassment, harassment, repeated breached of employee policies etc. However, even though the employee is not entitled to common law reasonable notice, they still entitled to be paid ESA notice and severance.
Employers may only terminate an employee without pay where the employee has been guilty of, “wilful misconduct, disobedience or wilful neglect of duty that is not trivial and has not been condoned by the employer.” In order for your employment agreement to be enforceable, it must explicitly distinguish between termination for “just cause” and termination for “wilful misconduct, disobedience or wilful neglect of duty that is not trivial and has not been condoned by the employer.” Because of the decision in Waksdale, your “termination without cause” clause may also be unenforceable, and that the termination provisions in an employment agreement must be read as a whole to determine whether it violates the ESA, rather than on a piecemeal basis.
Revising Your Employment Agreements
As a result of the decision in Waksdale, as an employer, you should consider immediately reviewing your existing employment agreements to ensure that they are in compliance with the ESA.
In the event that the employment agreement violates the ESA, you should consider entering into a new employment agreement with an enforceable termination clause. However, you must always remember that if you are amending the employment agreement, you must offer fresh consideration such as pay increase, bonus, promotions, additional vacation time, or some other benefit to the employee.
To find out more about how to protect yourself or if you need assistance navigating your employment agreement, contact us by phone at 905-471-6161 or email us at info@eruditelaw.com.
by Alvin Leung | Jul 20, 2021 | Blog Post, Employment Law
To begin, it is important to note that an employer cannot require an employee to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The federal and provincial governments have not made it mandatory for all people to be vaccinated; as such, an employer’s workplace policies cannot make it mandatory.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Employers cannot require employees to be vaccinated.
• Employers may ask if an employee has been vaccinated.
• Employers must be mindful of privacy and human rights concerns.
However, an employer may ask an employee if they have been vaccinated. And while this may be regarded as a violation of privacy rights, an employer has an obligation under law to maintain a safe workplace. This obligation overrides any privacy concerns. Having knowledge of which employees have been vaccinated can help an employer determine, among other things, how to assign duties and roles, and which employees are best suited for face-to-face contact with clients. Safety, not only for employees, but for customers as well, is a chief concern for employers who wish to avoid potentially serious liability. Interacting with employees that either lie about or do not wish to disclose their vaccination status or dealing with customers who sue because they contracted COVID-19 after interacting with an infected employee are but a few of the new challenges that businesses are faced with. Thus, it is crucial for an employer to know whether an employee has received any of the recommended vaccination shots.
When collecting such personal information from employees, employers should clearly communicate their reasons, and are advised to be reasonable in their approach, gathering only the amount of information that is necessary. More importantly, an employer must avoid creating a workplace in which non-vaccinated employees are stigmatized, harassed, or bullied. Employers must be mindful that some of their workers may have legitimate reasons for not getting vaccinated – reasons which may be protected under human rights law (e.g., medical or religious reasons).
The collected information is to be kept private and cannot be shared without the consent of the employee. For example, as businesses across Ontario begin to open up, customers may ask about the vaccination status of certain employees, particularly in the hospitality, personal care, and retail sectors. An employer must be cautious not to divulge the personal information of employees that have not consented.
The new COVID-19 landscape is forcing companies to adjust their workplace policies. Moreover, it is forcing business owners to ask uniquely tough questions. For example, can an employer require a new hire to be vaccinated? Can employees be incentivized to get vaccinated? What is the extent of the duty to accommodate and how does it apply to employees who refuse to get vaccinated?
Whether you are an employer or an employee, we would be glad to go into further detail on these recent issues and address any of your concerns.
Feel free to send us an e-mail at info@eruditelaw.com or call us at 905-471-6161 to speak with one of our Employment Law and Civil Litigation practitioners.
Authors: Ben Brillantes
