The term "wrongful dismissal" generally refers to the termination of a non-unionized employee without proper cause and without reasonable notice or payment in lieu of notice.
Wrongful dismissal law falls under the broader category of employment law, but also encompasses aspects of contract, tort and statutory law. The exception is Quebec where wrongful dismissal is governed by civil law as well as statutory requirements. (For further information about wrongful dismissal law in Quebec, see Notice Charts.)
In researching wrongful dismissal law, employment standards statutes should also be considered. In most Canadian jurisdictions, such legislation sets out minimum notice periods for termination of employees.