What qualifies as wrongful dismissal in Alberta?

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated without cause and does not receive adequate working notice or fair severance pay in lieu of notice. It also occurs when an employer falsely claims 'just cause' to avoid paying severance, or when working conditions are unilaterally altered to force a resignation (constructive dismissal).

What is the difference between termination with cause and without cause in Alberta?

In Alberta, employers can terminate most employees 'without cause' at any time, provided they pay full statutory and common law severance. Termination 'with cause' (just cause) requires serious, demonstrable misconduct such as theft, fraud, or gross insubordination. The legal standard for just cause is exceptionally high, and employers frequently fail to prove it in court.

How long do I have to file a wrongful dismissal claim in Calgary?

Under the Alberta Limitations Act, you have two years from the date of termination to commence a legal claim for wrongful dismissal. However, it is strongly recommended to consult an employment lawyer immediately to preserve evidence and avoid missing critical documentation.

Can I claim additional damages if my employer acted unfairly during termination?

Yes. If an employer engages in bad faith, dishonesty, humiliation, or harsh conduct during the dismissal, Alberta courts may award moral damages (under Honda v. Keays principles) or punitive damages in addition to your standard severance pay.

How much severance pay am I entitled to in Alberta?

In Alberta, severance entitlement is determined under two regimes: statutory minimums under the Employment Standards Code (ranging from 1 to 8 weeks) and Canadian Common Law. Under Common Law, notice is calculated using the Bardal factors (age, tenure, seniority of role, and availability of comparable employment) and can reach up to 24 months of total compensation, including salary, bonuses, and benefits.

Do I have to sign my severance offer before the employer's deadline?

No. Artificial deadlines (such as 48 or 72 hours) set by employers are not legally binding under Alberta law. Under the Alberta Limitations Act, employees generally have up to two years from the date of termination to advance a claim for common law severance. You should never sign a release until an employment lawyer has reviewed the offer.

What is the difference between statutory notice and common law severance in Alberta?

Statutory notice under the Alberta Employment Standards Code is the bare legal minimum an employer can pay. Common law severance reflects the actual reasonable time required for an employee to secure comparable employment. Common law notice is almost always significantly higher than statutory minimums unless an enforceable employment contract validly limits notice.

Can my bonus, stock options, and health benefits be included in my severance?

Yes. In Alberta, a proper common law severance package should compensate you for all compensation components you would have earned during the notice period. This includes discretionary and non-discretionary bonuses, restricted stock units (RSUs), unvested stock options, car allowances, and health and dental coverage.

KedgeAnchor Academy: Practice-Ready Training for Lawyers, Articling Students & Internationally Trained Lawyers

KedgeAnchor Academy

Build Real Legal Competence. One Sprint at a Time.

A structured monthly training academy designed to help lawyers and future lawyers develop practical drafting, litigation, negotiation, and file-management skills for real-world practice.

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How the Academy Works

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The Academy is built around real-world case files. Each cycle follows a legal matter from intake to resolution, allowing members to observe, analyze, and apply structured legal thinking in a practical setting.

Core Learning Outcomes:

Issue Spotting and Case Framing
Evidence Mapping
Strategy Design
Drafting Execution
Negotiation and Positioning
Procedural Navigation
Resolution and File Close-Out

Who the Academy Is Designed For

Practicing Lawyers

For those who want stronger drafting and litigation systems.

Articling Students

Preparing for independent file conduct.

Internationally Trained Lawyers

Transitioning into Canadian practice.

Junior Associates

Building practical competence.

The Monthly Sprint Model

Each month includes:

✔ 3–6 short training videos
✔ A structured case file fact pattern
✔ A template pack
✔ One practical deliverable
✔ Office Hours (live Q&A)
✔ Monthly Masterclass (recorded)

Four-Week Structure

Week 1
Learn and plan

Week 2
Build and refine

Week 3
Office Hours + feedback

Week 4
Masterclass + final submission

12-Month Practice Accelerator Curriculum

01 Firm Blueprint and File Systems 02 Consults That Convert 03 Retainers and Scope Control 04 Evidence and Case Theory 05 Persuasive Drafting Systems 06 Negotiation and Settlement Engineering 07 Procedure and Deadlines 08 Pleadings Fundamentals 09 Discovery and Questioning 10 Affidavits and Motion Practice 11 Profit, Billing and Delegation 12 Authority, Marketing and Portfolio Track

By the end of 12 months, members will be able to:

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Draft structured demand letters and pleadings
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Build chronologies and proof maps
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Prepare affidavits with exhibit strategy
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Design negotiation ladders
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Manage files using repeatable systems
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Understand procedural discipline and litigation sequencing

The KedgeAnchor Case File Method

Each sprint is built around a real-world fact pattern.

Intake analysis

Issue spotting

Evidence mapping

Drafting

Negotiation strategy

Procedural roadmap

Unique Edge

This differentiates you from passive online courses. You aren't just watching; you are building.

Frequently Asked Questions

KedgeAnchor Academy is a structured monthly training program for lawyers, articling students, and internationally trained lawyers focused on practical legal skills and real-world file readiness.

No. The Academy focuses on practical application, drafting systems, and procedural discipline that law school often does not teach in depth.

Yes. Members can join at any time and follow the current monthly sprint while accessing previous modules in the library.

Most monthly deliverables are designed to be completed in 60–90 minutes, with optional deeper engagement through Office Hours and Masterclasses.

Yes. All Masterclasses are recorded and stored in the member library.

The Academy teaches jurisdiction-neutral frameworks applicable across Canadian common law provinces, with procedural guidance where relevant.

No. The Academy provides educational training and structured learning based on fact patterns.

Yes. The Academy is particularly valuable for internationally trained lawyers transitioning into Canadian legal practice.

Members can submit questions through the Question Queue and participate in live Office Hours.

Yes. The Academy includes modules on file systems, billing discipline, negotiation strategy, and practical litigation readiness.

Join the Academy

$68 / month

Join anytime. Cancel anytime..

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