S1 E3: Can an Employer Sue an Employee for Breach of Contract?
Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer and Partner at Bow River Law LLP
In this video, Joel Fairbrother, an employment lawyer at Bow River Law, discusses the circumstances under which an Alberta employer can sue an employee for breach of contract. He clarifies that employers are rarely successful when suing for minor workplace issues like poor performance or taking extended breaks.
However, more serious issues such as professional negligence, misuse of confidential information, or conflicts of interest may be grounds for a successful claim. Fairbrother also notes that some lawsuits are intended more as a deterrent against competition rather than for enforceable claims. Legal action may follow breaches of non-solicitation, non-competition, or confidentiality clauses, especially where financial or reputational damage can be shown.
S1 E34: What Can I Do if My Employer Has Violated My Privacy?
Speaker: Sarah Coderre, Employment Lawyer and Partner at Bow River Law LLP
Sarah Coderre, employment lawyer at Bow River Law, outlines how employees in Alberta can respond to privacy violations by their employer. She explains that the appropriate action depends on the severity of the breach. Minor incidents may be resolved through internal discussions, while more serious breaches such as public exposure of performance reviews could warrant a formal complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Further, Coderre emphasizes that Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) governs these matters, requiring employers to properly safeguard private information. Although the Privacy Commissioner does not award compensation, employers may be ordered to improve their data-handling practices following an investigation.
S1 E22: My Employer Sued Me. What Should I Do?
Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer and Partner at Bow River Law LLP
In this video, Joel Fairbrother explains what steps an employee should take if they are sued by their employer. He notes that such lawsuits are increasingly common and are sometimes used strategically to limit competition. Fairbrother stresses that employees only have around 20 days to respond legally and should contact an employment lawyer immediately. These cases often involve allegations of solicitation, competition, or breach of contract.
While some contracts may contain non-competition or non-solicitation clauses, Fairbrother points out that these are not always enforceable. Legal guidance is essential in navigating what actions may be lawfully taken after leaving a job.
S1 E24: What Should I Do if My Employer Wants Me to Sign an Employment Contract?
Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer and Partner at Bow River Law LLP
Joel Fairbrother explores the implications of signing an employment contract in Alberta. He explains that written contracts often reduce the default rights employees have under common law. Many workers operate under verbal or implied agreements that generally offer stronger protections. Written contracts may include clauses that limit severance, restrict competition, or impose confidentiality and conflict of interest conditions.
Fairbrother advises against signing any such agreement without first seeking legal review. He notes that employers usually introduce these documents to protect their own interests. Employment lawyers can provide crucial support in interpreting, negotiating, or challenging contract terms.
S1 E28: Is My Employer Allowed to Take Away Some of My Sales Territory?
Speaker: Sarah Coderre, Employment Lawyer and Partner at Bow River Law LLP
Sarah Coderre addresses the legal boundaries around changing a salesperson’s assigned territory. She explains that while minor adjustments may be permitted if they do not significantly affect income or performance, removing a substantial part of the territory especially high-value clients may constitute a constructive dismissal. Such changes, if made without consent or proper notice, can violate fundamental terms of employment.
Coderre encourages employees to formally object to major changes and consult a lawyer to determine whether a constructive dismissal has occurred. In some cases, legal intervention may prompt employers to reconsider or revise their decisions.
Top Videos About Employer Issues in Alberta: A Summary
These videos provide essential legal perspectives on some of the most common employer-related challenges in Alberta’s workplaces. Each segment delivers practical and plain-language insight from the experienced team at Bow River Law.
View more video content covering employer issues in Alberta employment law, and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date with future videos.
