If you have been employed for 3 months, your employer must give you notice prior terminating your employment before the end of your contract. If not, your employer will have to pay you for the notice you did not receive (severance pay). Under exceptional circumstances, your employer may terminate your employment without notice. For example, in the event of circumstances beyond your control (such as, the company is destroyed by a fire), if you commit a serious offence justifying immediate dismissal (such as theft or fraud), or if you lied about your qualifications when you were hired. Important! If your employment has a fixed term and your employer dismisses you through no fault of your own before the end of the term, you may also be entitled to claim compensation equivalent to the earnings you were deprived of. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, or if you leave your job because you are a victim of abuse, contact Justice Pro Bono or Service Canada.

If you have concerns about your safety, or if you want to change employers because your employer is breaking the terms of your contract or not following the law, call the Service Canada Confidential Tip Line at 1-866-602-9448. You can leave an anonymous message to report your concerns. All calls are taken seriously and investigated to help protect you and your rights.