That Release document attached to your severance offer is not a formality. Here's what it actually means and why timing matters. When you're let go from a job, your employer will typically present you with a severance offer. Attached to it, almost always, is a document called a Full and Final Release severance package — and in Ontario, signing it without reading it carefully can cost you significantly. Many employees sign it the same day, assuming it's routine paperwork. But

Buried in that HR language are details about your pay, your benefits, and your rights. Here's how to understand what you're actually being offered. Losing your job is stressful enough without being handed a document full of legal language you're expected to sign within days. But your termination letter is not just paperwork. It is a legal offer, and how you respond to it can have a real impact on what you walk away with. Knowing what to look for, and what the language actuall

Terminated during your probationary period? You may still have rights — here's what Ontario's Employment Standards Act and common law actually say. Many employees assume that severance pay for a probationary employee in Ontario doesn't exist — that being fired during probation means walking away with nothing. That assumption costs people real money. The truth is that a probationary label doesn't automatically strip you of your legal entitlements. Whether you're owed severance

Why the Payment Structure Matters Even when the total dollar amount is the same, the way your employer structures your severance can affect: Taxation Mitigation obligations Cash flow Whether payments can be clawed back Your ability to plan financially Your leverage during negotiation Before accepting an offer, it’s essential to understand how salary continuance and severance work. Knowing which option aligns with your goals is crucial. Lump-Sum Severance: One Payment, Maximum

If you’ve been let go, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Is it worth negotiating my severance package?” In Canada, the answer is almost always yes. Most severance packages are not final offers—they’re starting points. Employees who negotiate typically walk away with significantly higher compensation, better terms, and a smoother transition. Below is a clear breakdown of why it's usually worth negotiating a severance package, what you can gain, and how to do it con

Losing a job without cause can be unsettling. You may be wondering: How is severance pay calculated? One of the first things you want to understand is how is severance pay calculated — and how much you might be entitled to. Knowing this helps you plan your next steps with confidence. In this article, we walk you through the basics of calculating severance pay in Canada. You’ll find clear explanations, practical tips, and resources to help you get the fair package you deserve.

Losing your job is stressful enough. The last thing you want is to get lost in legal fees, confusing clauses, and pressure to sign paperwork you don’t fully understand. If you’ve just received a severance offer, you might be wondering: Do I need a lawyer to negotiate this? Should I hire a lawyer to negotiate my severance? The answer is: No, you don't necessarily need a lawyer to negotiate your severance package. With the right information, and the right tools, you can negoti

You’ve just been let go, you’re staring at a severance package, and you’re wondering: “If I try to negotiate… could they take it all back?” This is probably our most-asked question as employment lawyers. The short answer is — not quite. Let’s break down why, and what to watch for. 1. Can They Withdraw a Severance Offer? Your Statutory Minimums Are Protected No matter what your employer says, they are legally required to provide at least the minimum notice or severance pay re

Losing a job is hard. Negotiating your severance package shouldn’t be. Too often, employees are left confused, pressured, and vulnerable when they’re handed a severance offer and told to “sign here.” Many employees are worried about burning bridges, incurring hundreds in legal fees, and delaying receipt of their package. We built SeverEase because we’ve seen that story too many times—and we knew there had to be a better way. The Problem: The Power Imbalance For years, severan

You’ve just been handed a severance package—and something doesn’t feel right. It might be the vague language, the tight deadline, or the lump sum that seems far too low for your years of service. Trust your instincts. Many Canadian employees are offered less than how much severance pay in Ontario they're legally entitled to when they're terminated. In this article, we’ll break down the key signs your employer is undervaluing your termination entitlement —and what you can do

You’ve just been let go and handed a severance package. It might feel final—like this is your only option and you have to take it. But here’s the truth: you do not have to accept your employer’s offer in your termination letter . In fact, you probably should try to negotiate your package. Most offers set out in a termination letter are merely first offers. Here's how you can (and probably should) try to negotiate your severance package. Should I Negotiate My Severance Packag

When you're let go from a job, one of the first questions you'll ask yourself is: “Is this severance package fair?” The answer isn’t always obvious — especially when the offer comes with legal jargon, tight deadlines, and pressure to sign. In Canada, many severance offers provide the bare legal minimum, even when the employee may be entitled to significantly more under common law. At SeverEase, we believe you shouldn’t need to spend thousands in legal fees just to understand

Being let go is stressful enough — and receiving a lowball severance offer can make it worse. You may know you’re entitled to more, but the last thing you want is to come off as combative or risk losing a positive reference letter. The good news? It’s entirely possible to try to negotiate your severance package and ask for more severance pay without damaging your reputation or future references. In this post, we’ll show you how to negotiate an exit package diplomatically,