One of the most common inquiries I receive in regards to my employment law practice is questions concerning the issue of constructive dismissal. It is a principle often misunderstood by both employers and employees alike. In practical terms, constructive dismissal describes a situation where the employer has not directly fired the employee, but rather, has…

I am frequently retained to review severance packages that have been handed to someone who has just been fired.  Typically the package will contain a covering letter with an offer, details about any outstanding entitlement to benefits such as life insurance or pensions, a release, a recommendation to get independent legal advice, and a deadline […]

Recent decisions from British Columbia courts underline the risk to commercial landlords in misinterpreting their leases or otherwise assuming there is little risk in shutting down the business of an unprofitable tenant. Avoid the rush to terminate a commercial lease, and first, get the advice of a professional. In Shanahan  v. Turning Point Restaurant Ltd.,…