Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta: What to Do If You’ve Been Let Go Unfairly
Introduction
Losing your job is hard enough, but being fired without a fair reason? That hits differently. If you’re dealing with wrongful dismissal in Alberta, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Whether you were let go after raising concerns at work, denied severance, or simply felt something wasn’t right about the way your employment ended, there are steps you can take to stand up for yourself.
Here in Edmonton, we’ve helped a lot of people through this exact situation at Abougoush Law, and let me tell you—it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed at first. But with the right support and a little bit of legal know-how, you can absolutely take control of the situation.
Take a Breath, Then Gather the Facts
You’re probably feeling a mix of frustration, anxiety, and maybe even relief. That’s normal. But before you do anything else, it’s time to get your paperwork together. Start by collecting your:
- Employment contract
- Termination letter
- Pay stubs
- Any written communication about your dismissal (emails, texts, etc.)
A common mistake we see folks in Edmonton make is waiting too long to act—sometimes because they’re unsure if what happened counts as a wrongful dismissal. Here’s a hint: if you weren’t given proper notice or fair severance, or if the termination felt retaliatory (like speaking up about harassment), that’s a red flag.
Actually, we helped a client from Mill Woods recently who was let go after questioning a shady bonus payout system. She thought it was “just business,” but it turned out to be a textbook case of wrongful dismissal in Alberta. The sooner you speak to someone about your case, the better.
Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
Don’t Sign Anything Yet—Talk to an Employment Lawyer
Here’s the thing: most employers will offer a severance package pretty quickly after termination. And on the surface, it can seem generous. But unless you’re a lawyer, you likely won’t know whether that offer is fair or even legal. That’s where we come in.
At Abougoush Law, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients across Edmonton—from Sherwood Park to Westmount—who were initially offered less than they were owed. We’ll review your severance offer for free and help you understand your rights.
Whether you’ve worked for your company for two years or twenty, your entitlements vary—and Alberta law provides some pretty strong protections for workers. The goal is to ensure you’re compensated fairly for your time and service.
Know Your Rights Around Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
Let’s break down what wrongful dismissal in Alberta actually means. It doesn’t necessarily mean your employer did something malicious—it just means they didn’t follow the law when ending your employment.
For example, did you know:
- Your employer must provide proper notice or pay in lieu of notice unless they have just cause.
- “Just cause” (like serious misconduct) is a very high bar to meet.
- You may be entitled to more than minimum severance under Alberta common law.
We had a client in Oliver who was let go for “not fitting in with the team.” No warnings, no performance plan—just out the door. Turns out, that wasn’t legal grounds for termination, and we were able to negotiate a significantly better package for him.
“To understand more about Alberta’s employment standards, you can also refer to the Alberta Employment Standards Code.”
Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
Take Action—But Do It the Right Way
Once you’ve got your documents and talked to a lawyer, what comes next? Depending on your situation, we might recommend:
- Negotiating a better severance package
- Filing a human rights complaint (if discrimination played a role)
- Going to court for damages
But here’s the deal: every case is different. What worked for your friend in downtown Edmonton might not apply to you in Glenora or St. Albert. That’s why personalized legal advice is key.
At Abougoush Law, we’re not just here to win cases—we’re here to support real people who are going through one of the most stressful moments of their lives. We’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step, in language that actually makes sense.
Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone—And You Have Options
Getting fired can feel like a punch to the gut. But if you think it was unfair, don’t just accept it and move on. Wrongful dismissal in Alberta is more common than you might think, and the law is on your side.
If you’re in the Edmonton area and need someone to look over your termination package—or just want to talk through what happened—reach out to Abougoush Law. We’re here to help you figure out the best path forward.
Let’s make sure you leave your job with the dignity and compensation you deserve.
Think you’ve experienced a wrongful dismissal in Alberta? Call (780) 964-7575 now to book your free consultation with Abougoush Law. Let’s review your case and find out what you’re really owed—because you might be entitled to more than you think.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To discuss your specific situation, please reach out to Abougoush Law directly.