- A layoff can’t last forever. In Alberta, Ontario, and BC, a layoff lasting more than 13 weeks in a 20-week period (or 90 days in a 120-day period) legally becomes a termination — entitling you to severance.
- You could be owed up to two years of compensation. Once a layoff converts to a termination, your severance entitlement is based on your full compensation and can reach as much as two years’ worth.
- You don’t have to wait out the clock. If this is your first layoff, you can treat it as a termination from day one and pursue your full severance entitlement immediately, without waiting the 13 weeks.
What Should You Do Next?
If this is your first layoff, you don’t have to wait — you can treat it as a termination today and begin pursuing your full severance entitlement immediately. Speaking with an employment lawyer early can mean the difference between months of uncertainty, watching your savings dwindle while you wait to see if you’re recalled, and getting the process moving now. In the meantime, don’t make any rushed decisions or sign anything you haven’t had reviewed. Document the date your layoff began and any communication from your employer. As the video explains, the clock doesn’t have to run before you act. Watch it above for the full breakdown, then book a consultation to find out exactly what you’re owed.
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