Trusted by 1000+ clients
While 90% of Alberta workers are governed by provincial law, a critical 10% fall under the federal Canada Labour Code. If you work in a federally regulated industry, you have a set of job protections far superior to the provincial standard — including the right to claim unjust dismissal.
Unlike provincial law, federally regulated employers do not have the right to terminate an employee without cause just by paying severance. This was affirmed by the Supreme Court in Wilson v. Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. If you’ve worked for 12 months, your employer must prove the termination was for one of two legally permissible reasons:
Federal jurisdiction covers inter-provincial and national operations, including banks; air, rail, and marine transportation, including trucking that crosses borders; pipelines, tunnels, and bridges that cross borders; telecommunications and broadcasting; and federal Crown corporations and First Nation activities. If your employer operates in one of these sectors, the Canada Labour Code — not Alberta’s Employment Standards Code — governs your rights.
Federal employees often don’t realize they can fight to get their job back, not just collect severance. But the window is only 90 days. The single most important thing you can do is get advice before that deadline quietly passes.
our services
Workplace issues can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. We help employees across Calgary, Alberta understand their legal rights and make informed decisions about the next steps.
We confirm whether your employer is federally regulated and whether you qualify for unjust dismissal protection, then move quickly to protect the strict 90-day deadline for filing your complaint.
We pursue the powerful remedies available under the Canada Labour Code that aren’t available in a typical court action — including reinstatement, damages in lieu of reinstatement, and back pay that can often dwarf standard severance.
testimonials
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the employees we've helped navigate wrongful dismissal, severance negotiations, and workplace disputes and the outcomes we secured for them.
Employment Law Advocates made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate. Their team was responsive, knowledgeable, and fought hard to secure the outcome I deserved.
After ten years with my employer, I was terminated without cause or proper notice. Lluc and his team explained my rights clearly and built a strong case from day one. They kept me informed at every stage and secured a settlement that recognized my years of service.
I endured months of harassment before I found the courage to seek help. The team treated my situation with real compassion and took my concerns seriously when others hadn't. They guided me through the process and helped me reach a resolution I could live with.
I'd worked as a "contractor" for years, missing out on pay and protections I was actually entitled to. The team recognized the misclassification immediately and fought to recover what I'd lost. Professional, responsive, and genuinely on my side throughout.
I was accused of misconduct and terminated for cause, and I didn't know where to turn. Employment Law Advocates challenged the allegations head-on and stood by me through a difficult process. Their experience and confidence made all the difference in the outcome.
We work with employees from all backgrounds who need trusted legal guidance during difficult workplace situations, including severance package reviews and wrongful dismissal claims.
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