Navigating Employment Law:3 Essential Videos for Alberta Workers

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Bow River Law in Calgary, Alberta continues to offer trusted insight into Alberta employment law through our growing video library. In this vlog, we highlight three essential videos — each featuring an experienced employment lawyer from the Bow River Law team. Whether you’re an employee or employer, these resources break down important employment law topics with clarity and expertise.

S2 E12: What Is Civil Litigation in Employment Law?

Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer

Understanding Civil Litigation in Employment Law

In this video, Joel Fairbrother explains the meaning of civil litigation within the context of employment disputes. He defines civil litigation as a legal process distinct from criminal cases. In civil litigation, two or more parties seek a legal resolution through the court system.  In employment law civil litigation, the two parties are typically an employee and an employer.

Key Highlights:

• Civil vs. Criminal Litigation: Civil litigation addresses legal disputes over entitlements rather than criminal wrongdoing.
• Common Claims by Employees: Wrongful dismissal, harassment, discrimination, and unpaid wages often lead employees to initiate civil litigation.
• Employer-Initiated Claims: Employers may sue employees for breaches of non-solicitation or non-compete agreements, or for misuse of confidential information.

Joel’s overview gives viewers a clear understanding of when and why employment-related disputes might move into civil court proceedings.

S3 E2: How Do I Terminate an Employment Contract?

Speaker: Sarah Coderre, Employment Lawyer

Best Practices for Terminating an Employment Contract in Alberta

In this detailed explanation, Sarah Coderre discusses the legal considerations surrounding the termination of employment contracts for both employees and employers in Alberta.

Key Highlights:

• Employee Obligations: Employees must provide at least two weeks’ notice after 90 days of employment unless their contract requires more.
• Constructive Dismissal Exception: Employees that are constructively dismissed are not required to provide notice.
• Employer Responsibilities: Employers must review the employment contract for specific termination terms, and if terminating for just cause, must meet a high legal standard.
• Severance and Notice Options: Employers may either give working notice or pay in lieu of notice, depending on the circumstances.
• Importance of Legal Guidance: Sarah emphasizes the need for employers to consult an employment lawyer when terminating an employee to ensure proper handling of severance, notice, and possible release agreements.

Sarah’s video provides crucial knowledge for managing the end of an employment relationship correctly and minimizing legal risks.

S2 E3: What is the Difference Between Wrongful Dismissal and Constructive Dismissal?

Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer

Clarifying Wrongful Dismissal vs. Constructive Dismissal

Joel Fairbrother offers a straightforward breakdown of two often misunderstood employment law concepts: wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal.

Key Highlights:

• Wrongful Dismissal: Occurs when an employer ends an employee’s job without providing sufficient notice or pay in lieu of notice, often referred to informally as severance.
• Constructive Dismissal: Happens when an employer breaches fundamental employment terms significantly enough that the employee can resign and treat it as a termination.
• Difference in Mechanism: In wrongful dismissal, the employer actively terminates the employment; in constructive dismissal, the employer’s breach forces the employee to resign.
• Similar Remedies: In both cases, the affected employee is typically entitled to reasonable notice or equivalent severance.

Joel’s clear explanation helps employees and employers understand the important distinctions between these two types of employment disputes.

In Summary

Bow River Law’s employment lawyers continue to make complex legal topics more accessible for Alberta workers and employers. These three videos offer practical guidance, helping viewers better understand their rights and obligations under Alberta employment law. To learn more about employment law topics in Alberta, view our YouTube Channel.

If you have questions about civil litigation, terminating an employment contract, or understanding dismissal claims, contact Bow River Law today, we’re here to help.