Top Wrongful Dismissal Videos by Employment Lawyers in Alberta

All of Bow River Law LLP’s materials posted on Youtube are for legal information and discussion purposes only, and should not be considered legal advice.  If you are in a legal situation, you should speak to a lawyer directly.

Wrongful Dismissal and Your Legal Rights in Alberta, Explained on Video

Wrongful dismissal is one of the most misunderstood topics in Alberta employment law. That’s why Bow River Law LLP created a growing video library to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. These short videos feature experienced lawyers breaking down real legal concepts into plain language — all grounded in Alberta’s common law and employment standards.

This curated series focuses on the topic of wrongful dismissal, including its definition, legal process, remedies, and how it compares to constructive dismissal. Whether you’re wondering if your severance package is fair, unsure whether your termination was legal, or simply want to understand your options, these videos are a great place to start.

For more support, explore our Wrongful and Unjust Dismissal Services or check our Employment Law Glossary for commonly used terms in Alberta Employment Law.

S2 E5: What Is Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta?

Speaker: Joel Fairbrother,Employment Lawyer

Legal Definition and Core Principles

In this video, Joel Fairbrother explains that wrongful dismissal happens when an employer ends employment without just cause or sufficient notice. He clarifies that in Alberta, employees are entitled to reasonable notice or pay in lieu of notice if dismissed without cause.

What Constitutes Just Cause?

Joel outlines that employers need serious reasons — like misconduct or chronic underperformance — to justify termination without compensation. In most cases, employers do not have enough evidence of misconduct or poor performance to establish just cause for termination, meaning many terminations are wrongful terminations under the common law.

Entitlements and Legal Recourse

He emphasizes that an employee’s right to severance depends on multiple factors, including their role, length of service, and employment contract. For more on legal recourse, visit the Wrongful and Unjust Dismissal page.

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

Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment Lawyer

Two Forms of Termination

Joel Fairbrother distinguishes between wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal. In the former, the employer actively terminates employment. In the latter, the employer breaches the contract or creates intolerable conditions at work, leading the employee to resign.  The employee then sues as if his or her employment were actively terminated by the employer.

Constructive Dismissal Explained

Constructive dismissal generally occurs when an employer breaches key terms of employment. Joel explains that courts treat this as a termination, even if the employee technically resigned.

Remedies and Legal Overlap

Joel notes that the legal remedy is often the same in both cases: reasonable notice or severance. The mechanism of dismissal changes, but the financial impact on the employee does not. For additional context, see the Employment Contracts page.

S1 E14: How to Sue for Wrongful Dismissal?

Speaker: Joel FairbrotherEmployment Lawyer

Legal Forums and Options

In this video, Joel reviews where employees can file a wrongful dismissal claim in Alberta. He explains that claims under $100,000 typically go to the Alberta Court of Justice (formerly Provincial Court or Small Claims Court).

Court Jurisdiction and Strategy

For claims exceeding $100,000, employees must either abandon the amount over $100,000 or file their claim with the Alberta Court of King’s Bench. Joel highlights the trade-offs: the lower court is faster and simpler, while the higher court allows unlimited compensation.

Exceptions and Considerations

Joel also touches on exceptions. For example, unionized workers and federally regulated employees may not follow these same paths. He stresses the importance of reviewing your employment status and workplace regulations before filing a claim. For some helpful definitions, consult the Glossary of Employment Law Terms.

S3 E4: What Are My Rights in a Wrongful Dismissal Case?

Speaker: Sarah Coderre, Employment Lawyer

Rights Rooted in Common Law

In this video, Sarah Coderre explains that wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer ends employment without just cause and without proper notice or severance. Under Canadian common law, employees are entitled to reasonable notice tailored to their specific circumstances.

Factors Affecting Severance

Sarah outlines that courts examine multiple factors: age, tenure, position, and health conditions. Real-world context — such as a recession — can also extend the notice period.

Bonus Pay and Benefits

She explains that damages may include not only base salary but also lost bonuses and benefits that would have been earned during the notice period.

Duty to Mitigate

Sarah emphasizes the employee’s obligation to actively seek comparable work after termination. Courts consider mitigation efforts when determining damages. To learn about your employer’s obligations, refer to our blog posts or speak to a lawyer.

Conclusion: Protecting Yourself After Termination

These four videos provide a detailed roadmap for anyone navigating wrongful dismissal in Alberta. From understanding what qualifies as wrongful or constructive dismissal to knowing where and how to file a claim, both Joel Fairbrother and Sarah Coderre offer accessible legal insight grounded in Alberta law.

Wrongful dismissal is more common than many employees realize. Entitlements are complex, fact-specific, and often misunderstood. The law requires both employers and employees to follow clear processes — and video resources like these help clarify the path forward.

Legal Insight, Backed by Experience

At Bow River Law LLP, we believe every employee and employer deserves clarity, confidence, and trusted guidance when facing a workplace dispute. Our team of experienced employment lawyers — including Joel Fairbrother and Sarah Coderre — focuses exclusively on Alberta employment law, offering deep insight into wrongful dismissal, severance negotiations, constructive dismissal, and more.

Whether you’re navigating a recent termination or proactively reviewing your employment contract, we provide strategic, plain-language legal advice tailored to your situation. Our lawyers are known for combining litigation strength with a practical, resolution-focused approach — helping you move forward with confidence.

Alberta Employment Law Resources

Explore more by visiting Bow River Law’s full YouTube channel
Need legal help? Visit our Contact page to speak with our team.
External resource: Review Alberta’s Employment Standards Code to review statutory rights.  Remember that the common law is outside of the Code, and provides additional rights and protections to employees.