Wrongful Dismissal Update: Alleging Just Cause is a Legal Minefield

by | Nov 12, 2019 | For Employers

A recent case, Headley v. City of Toronto, 2019 ONSC 4496, shows that alleging just cause for termination for a long-service employee can be a risky and costly strategy. 

The Facts: Headley v. City of Toronto

After completing an internal investigation, the City of Toronto terminated Mark Headley, a shift leader at a men’s shelter, for just cause after 15 years service for allegedly stealing $5,000 from residents. 

The Decision

After an 11 day trial, the trial judge disagreed and awarded Mr. Headley 18 months pay in lieu of notice ($105,117.84) plus $65,000 in Wallace or aggravated damages plus legal fees which I suspect will exceed $100,000.

The City of Toronto conceded there was no direct evidence that Mr. Headley had stolen any money; it relied on circumstantial evidence. The judge stated that “the investigation here produced insufficient positive evidence to prove that Headley committed theft or was dishonest” but concluded Mr. Headley had issued a receipt to a resident for money that the resident did not pay in order to diffuse a dangerous situation. Although this action warranted discipline, the judge concluded that termination was not justified in the circumstances.

Wallace Damages

1) The test

I think it is very difficult to predict when a trial judge will award Wallace damages. The law is simple but quite general. Assessing whether facts will satisfy a judge that this legal test has been met however is difficult.

The trial judge adopted the Supreme Court of Canada’s test: 

The obligation of good faith and fair dealing is incapable of precise definition. However, at a minimum, I believe that in the course of dismissal employers ought to be candid, reasonable, honest and forthright with their employees and should refrain from engaging in conduct that is unfair or is in bad faith by being, for example, untruthful, misleading or unduly insensitive.

2) Facts that Attracted Wallace Damages

Mr. Headley’s lawyer identified 29 facts which he claimed demonstrated bad faith.

When concluding Mr. Headley was not treated in good faith,  the trial judge stated: 

While it was reasonable to investigate Headley given the matters that came to light in June 2012, I find the City did not meet its obligation of good faith and fair dealing in the manner of Headley’s dismissal. Anstett was not forthright with Headley. Despite the gravity of the allegations and the foreseeable mental distress and negative financial implications that a dismissal based on unfounded allegations would have ultimately the dismissal was based on unproven suspicions after an incomplete investigation, insensitively and unfairly conducted…… The termination letter was unduly harsh alleging unsubstantiated fraud and dishonesty…..

Lessons to Be Learned

1. Think twice before alleging just cause unless there is a direct, clear and cogent evidence of serious misconduct that has not been condoned.

2. Before terminating for just cause conduct a proper investigation with a competent investigator.

3. Ensure that all employees sign an employment contract with an enforceable termination clause. Did you know that it can often cost an employer much less money to terminate an employee without just cause than the cost of proving just cause which requires the employer to first conduct a proper investigation and then often defend the decision and prove just cause in court?

 

For over 30 years, Doug MacLeod of the MacLeod Law Firm has been advising employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. If you have any questions, you can contact him at 416-317-9894 or at [email protected]

The material and information in this blog and this website are for general information only. They should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. The authors make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information referred to in this blog or its links. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found on this website or blog. Readers should obtain appropriate professional advice from a lawyer duly licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. These materials do not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any of the authors or the MacLeod Law Firm.

 

k

Recent Posts

Reducing Litigation Risk

In a recent case, Pohl v. Hudson’s Bay Company, 2022 ONSC 5230 (CanLII),an employer was ordered to pay a long service employee the equivalent of about 3 years pay and contribute about $ 35 000 to his legal fees. Although this was a without cause termination case, it...

read more

Toronto Office

702 - 2 Bloor Street West,
Toronto, ON M4W 3E2

Barrie Office

277 - 92 Caplan Avenue,
Barrie, ON L4N 9J2

Collingwood Office

220 - 1 First Street
Collingwood, ON
L9Y 1A1

Locations

Toronto Office

700 - 2 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M4W 3E2

Barrie Office

277 - 92 Caplan Avenue, Barrie ON L4N 9J2

Collingwood Office

220 - 1 First Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1A1

Translate

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!