STACEY REGINALD BALL
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In Ontario, there are generally two situations where an employer will terminate a non-unionized employee
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Examples of Wrongful Dismissal
The first is when the employer has a legitimate reason to dismiss an employee for “just cause”. The second is when an employer terminates an employee without cause, for a variety of reasons, as long as they are not discriminatory or in bad faith (Please see the article titled “Discrimination” for more information). In the first case, when an employer dismisses an employee for “just cause”, the employer must have a legitimate reason for the termination, as the employee will not receive any termination or severance pay. Canadian employment law requires a very high standard to dismiss an employee for just cause. Generally, there must be serious misconduct by the employee (such as theft, violence, fraud, etc.) to warrant receiving no termination or severance pay.
The employer will normally have to prove “gross misconduct”, and the courts have noted that dismissal for “just cause” is the capital punishment of employment law. See Johar v. Best Buy Canada Ltd. 2016 ONSC 5287. The courts now require a contextual approach to fire an employee for just cause, and there is a requirement of proportionality. See McKinley v BC Tel, 2001 SCC 38 and Dowling v Ontario (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) (2004), 37 CCEL (3d) 182 (Ont. C.A.). If an employer cannot show the court that dismissal was proportionate given the employee’s position, length of service and the circumstances of the case, then they may need to pay damages and legal fees. In the second case, when an employer dismisses an employee without “just cause”, they are required to provide termination notice or pay in lieu of notice to the terminated employee.
The Employee’s Reasonable Notice Period
The Ontario Employment Standards Act sets out the minimum entitlements that an employer must pay to a terminated employee. Employers may include a termination clause in an employment contract, which seeks to limit the amount of notice or pay in lieu of notice that an employee will receive. However, in the absence of an enforceable termination provision the employee’s reasonable notice period is determined in accordance with the common law. Employees should note that common law reasonable notice can be much greater than the minimums contained in the Employment Standards Act.
An employee who was terminated without cause may be able to claim wrongful dismissal in several situations. Common examples of this include:
- An employer terminates employment without cause, but refuses to pay the employee the appropriate compensation or reasonable notice
- An employer terminates employment and improperly claims there is “just cause”, thus refusing to pay any compensation or reasonable notice
- An employer fundamentally alters the terms or conditions of employment, which results in the “constructive dismissal” of the employee (please see the article titled “Constructive Dismissal”)
Please note that the above information does not constitute legal advice. It is general information about the law. If you are need of legal advice, such as a recently terminated employee or an employer looking to draft an enforceable termination provision, please contact the experts at Ball Professional Corporation.
TERMINATED EMPLOYEE
CONSULTATIONS
Featured Publications
Canadian Employment Law
Mr. Ball is author of the authoritative and definitive text Canadian Employment Law - published by Canada Law Book (a division of Thomson Reuters). The text is used and cited by lawyers, law schools and judges across Canada.
To order Mr. Ball's Canadian Employment Law please visit the Carswell Store by clicking here or on the button below.
CLIENT REVIEWS
Google Reviews
Steven Wang
19:58 18 Mar 19
Stacey was the third lawyer that I had hired to represent me, after the previous two didn't achieve anything for me. Stacey is very different. He is not only the author of Canadian Employment Law with profound knowledge and experience, he is also the most efficient one, direct to the point. He is the toughest one, well known by HR people, and he takes care of his client all by himself. There is no junior lawyers under him. That's the big difference comparing with other big employment law firms on Google, where I could only meet with a young lawyer with little experience. After he spoke with me for 45 minutes, he found the best way to break through. He didn't need to ask for a lot of document and he didn't bill hours to review them. His fee structure is aligned with his client's best interest. My problem was solved very quickly with a great result, and I only have to meet with him twice and exchange some emails. He's not just a tough fighter and negotiator, he got great strategy to make a deal. He answered my emails during the holidays. He comes in the office very early, and we had a conference call at 7am in the morning when we need to make a quick decision. To me, he is the best employment lawyer, a patient teacher and a friend. I strongly recommend him to those who need help.
Aiden Nix
01:13 06 Apr 19
Stacey was super helpful and increased my settlement a significant amount. He is very busy so you have to chase him down a bit but that is minor issue compared to all of the positives. Overall if you need a good labour lawyer then talk to him right away. He is THE lawyer to go to in Ontario!Thanks Stacey!
Sergei R
05:01 06 Dec 18
My experience with Stacey R. Ball was very positive. His fees are reasonable and value I received for the money was outstanding. Luckily, after his advice my situation was resolved almost amicably. You will not believe how reasonable some people can become after they start suspecting you have a good lawyer. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you suspect you might need a lawyer in the future because of some developing situation at work, I highly recommend you wait no more and talk to Stacey.
Danny T
18:34 26 Feb 19
Stacey has recently represented me. He’s patient, but to the point which I can appreciate. No fluff. He worked quickly and even responded during his holidays. Definitely highly recommended.
Alexa Arsenault
19:36 01 Nov 18
If I could give Stacey Ball 30 stars I would! Stacey was right on the “ball” when it came to my legal matter. I called his office and his efficient staff scheduled me for an appointment the next day. He’s a great listener and comes to the point quickly, confidently, and succinctly. He explained best and worst case scenarios and dealt with my matter without delay. He was successful in concluding my legal matter to my satisfaction and met all my expectations. I highly recommend Stacey for all your legal matters.Alexa
Alex McMillan
18:05 21 Apr 19
Mr Ball represented me in a wrongful dismissal case. It was quite evident from my initial consultation until the conclusion of my settlement. Mr. Ball mirrored professionalism, empathy and above all confidence. Mr Ball reviewed my case and informed me what I was entitled to and what to expect at time of settlement. I was represented diligently right up to the conclusion of my settlement. He was able to negotiate an amount that was above my expectations. I would highly recommend Mr. Ball to anyone in need of assistance in any type of employment situations. In conclusion that one of the main things that impressed me most was that he at all times puts his clients FIRST.
Daphne Rodrigues
23:54 22 May 19
Stacey was my second lawyer I retained after my original lawyer felt that he would be better suited to deal with my difficult employment matter. Stacey was very direct, efficient and respectful of my time. He was tenacious in negotiations and challenged/invalidated all points the other lawyer argued. I would not have achieved my outcome without Stacey. Thank you!Daphne Scott
Kate Miller
15:35 23 May 19
Stacey gave me good advice on my first consult. Super professional and competent. If I ever need employment lawyer again I would definitely come back to Stacey!
francesca V
08:33 24 Jun 19
Stacey not only provided expert legal guidance on my workplace harassment case, but was also extremely supportive during this difficult process. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone facing a similar situation. Thank you Stacey.
Charlie Russo
03:03 01 Jul 19
Stacey Ball was very helpful with my employment situation, from start to finish. He answered all my questions and concerns dealing with my settlement promptly and easily explained everything. Thank you. 5 stars.
Nurissa Kanji
09:47 22 Jul 19
I want to thank Stacey Ball and the staff at Ball Professional Corporation. Mr.Ball's professionalism, friendliness and empathy were evident at our first meeting. We would not hesitate to recommend Stacey Ball and his team for their expertise in employment law.
dave buckley
03:27 31 Jul 19
Stacey Ball was a huge help for me from start to finish in a contract negotiation, and was able to very quickly identify issues and advise me on next steps. He was understanding of my situation and provided specific advice on a broad range of clauses in my contract. I would 100% consult with him again based on my experience.
Jhonattan V
04:31 02 Aug 19
After ending employment with my employer of 9 years due to actions that I felt were steps of constructive dismissal, I contacted Mr Ball to determine my employment rights. Through the whole process from beginning until conclusion, I found Stacey to be very professional and knowledgeable and would recommend him and his team as your representatives for employment law matters.
Cole Carr
03:04 04 Aug 19
I met with Stacey Ball this morning for a consultation. He was incredibly generous with his advice and support in a consultation I needed. I highly recommend contacting him, even if you are unsure you will require his services - he will help you evaluate the situation and whether you need his services.
Katy M. Smith
01:18 05 Aug 19
I recommend Stacey Ball without hesitation. I was wrongfully dismissed and Stacey worked efficiently and communicated regularly to get a great settlement. He helped make a bad situation better – you want a lawyer like Stacey on your side!
Nurissa Kanji
09:47 22 Jul 19
I want to thank Stacey Ball and the staff at Ball Professional Corporation. Mr.Ball's professionalism, friendliness and empathy were evident at our first meeting. We would not hesitate to recommend Stacey Ball and his team for their expertise in employment law.
Sheeba Bonning
15:47 28 Oct 19
I would highly recommend Stacey Ball any time! Stacey accurately pinpointed the challenges of our situation and gave solid advice right from the beginning. When things got confusing for me, he took the time to explain them in lay terms so I could make informed decisions. A big thank you to Stacey ball and his team for helping me with a stressful situation and for always being there to smooth things over. We were even able to have a laugh or two and he definitely brings a human touch to legal matters which can be super uncomfortable for "regular" people that don't deal with legalese every day!
Jacqueline O'Flanagan
19:57 29 Oct 19
I would strongly recommend Stacey and his services for any employment related legal issues. His academic and professional experience provide a unique approach to strategizing over a case with his clients best interest in mind, and builds the case based on facts. He is an advocate for employees who have been wronged and his work with the supreme court demonstrates his commitment to changing the system for the better.
Lionel K
20:40 30 Oct 19
A few months ago, I was blindsided by my three partners who had decided to buy me out, at a fraction of the original investment contribution that I made when I joined the company. I decided to hire Stacey after interviewing him at his office. I knew then and there that he would make put my former partners in their place. Thank fully, I was right and Stacey took care of the matter in mediation, getting me 100% of what I was entitled to. The man is a legend in employment law and has the credentials to prove it, after all, he wrote the book on employment law! Thank you Stacey, appreciate all you've done. Best, LK.
Christine L
02:11 15 Nov 19
I had spoken with three lawyers before I met with Stacey Ball. What I liked about our meeting was that Mr. Ball provided answers to my questions and made me feel that he had my best interests in mind. I was informed of a settlement amount I would be entitled to receive and he worked at getting it. You will get a chance to get some sleep knowing that your case will be resolved promptly and that your rights are being looked after. You will find his fees are competitive but fair as he evaluates each situation separately. If you want to know what you rights are, want results, without wasting time, look no further. My case was handled efficiently and I would recommend his services to anyone that asks. A big thank you Stacey Ball for your services.
michael goda
15:39 27 Nov 19
Stacey is the best employment lawyer in Canada. I strongly recommend him to those who need help.
Sandra Knight
08:53 28 Nov 19
I got fired with no explanation from a workplace where i spend 4 years. I immediately started looking for a lawyer and got in touch with Stacey. He reviewed my case, helped me to calculate my severance pay and prepare all the proper documents. I would say Stacey is very knowledgeable and helpful in unfair dismissal cases. I would recommend him.
Sebastian Enachescu
18:19 29 Nov 19
I was extremely pleased with the service provided by Mr. Stacey Ball and assistants. When I first approached him with my situation-a severance package well below merit, he was very direct with what is a reasonable severance and what he wanted to negotiate for me. Within a very short time he was able to get me 70% more above the initial severance offer and an additional 10% for pension and benefits. The timeline worked out beautifully as I did not fall short of funds while waiting for the settlement. I was pleasantly surprised and grateful of the outcome. In addition, his fees were very reasonable and were hardly felt. Thanks again Stacey.:)
Wm Robinson
07:48 07 Dec 19
I was transferred to night shifts by my manager without asking if can/want work nights. When i confronted him i was told either take night shifts or leave the company. Mr. Ball really helped me to sort out this situation and get proper compensation for my constructive dismissal case. Mr. Ball acted professionally and at the same time friendly at all times. He was very supportive and very positive about the outcome of my case. He is a very good person.
Yousuf Halim
18:17 16 Dec 19
Stacy helped me with my wrongful dismissal case. He is very knowledgeable and kind. With his expertise, he could resolved and provided me a satisfactory settlement solution with my ex-employer. His fees are reasonable and office staff are very supportive . I am very happy with his service.
Joyce Wang
01:55 09 Mar 20
Stacey helped me with my case and I have to say I am very pleased with the outcome. His professionalism and expertise were absolutely impeccable. I am very happy with the services that Stacey and his assistants provided me. Stacey and his assistants Rebecca and Jennifer were always available to answer my questions through the process. My case was resolved completely in a few months. Stacey is a top employment lawyer and one of Canada’s best employment lawyers, but his legal fee was very fair and reasonable. I would highly recommend Stacey to whoever needs a legal service.
Janice Yorke
17:02 03 May 20
Mr. Ball is a top notch lawyer. Having written the labour laws himself he is thorough and detailed. He did a great job for me and I am very grateful.He has a neat sense of humour if you are blessed to realize it as well. He responded to all my emails in record time and called me immediately when he had updates.