Principle Legal Services P.C.
Serving Toronto & the GTA
Telephone: (647) 202-2229
Fax: (1-905) 378-2899
E-Mail: info@principlelegal.ca
Licensed Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada/Authorized Professional Corporation
The Law Society of Upper Canada logo is a trademark owned by The Law Society of Upper Canada.
Affordable Representation
Fees Based on Recovery*
www.principlelegal.ca | It’s about the Principle
Toronto Paralegal | Wrongful Dismissal | Human Rights | Employment Standards | Debt Collection
PH: (647) 202-2229
Fax: (905) 378-2899
Free Consultation
*Employee only - on a case by case basis client may be required to pay court related disbursements. Please call for more information.
Small Claims Monetary Limit Increases
The monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court is prescribed by regulation under the Courts of Justice Act. The Ontario government has announced that as of January 2010, the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court will be increased from $10,000 to $25,000, exclusive of fees and interest awarded to a successful litigant.
Paralegals licensed under the Law Society of Upper Canada may represent terminated employees who wish to pursue Wrongful Dismissal claims in Ontario’s Small Claims Court and may obtain damages resulting from Wrongful Dismissal.
NEWS
INFORMATION
E-mail: info@principlelegal.ca
Q: WHEN SHOULD I SEEK ADVICE?
A: As an employee who has recently been dismissed or who feels that they are in a situation which may ultimately lead to dismissal, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible - before agreeing to anything and especially before signing anything. Some reasons to seek advice include:
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-You have been terminated with cause and have not received notice of your termination.
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-You have been terminated and have received notice and an offer of compensation.
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-You feel that your are being forced to quit, have been asked to resign or that you may loose your job in the near future.
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-Changes have been made that you have not agreed to - such as a decrease in pay.
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-You feel that you are being discriminated against with regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religious status, sex/sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability.
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- You are being harassed by your employer or your complaints of harassment by fellow employees are going unanswered.
Q: IF I AM INVOLVED IN A SITUATION AT WORK OR HAVE BEEN TERMINATED, WHAT DO I NEED TO PRODUCE?
A: If you are experiencing an issue in the workplace or have been terminated it is important to keep a record of any documents that you have access to (such as e-mail, notes, a diary recording an event that takes place written soon after the event occurs etc...) which may otherwise become unavailable if you if you were to immediately become terminated.
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-If you have been sent a threatening or abusive e-mail, print a copy.
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-Keep copies of your original contract of employment and any subsequent copies that you may be provided with. Always keep copies of documents that you have been asked to sign.
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-Keep a diary of events and note important facts - Who, What, Where, When etc...
Q: WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT? HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
A: Principle Legal Services recognizes that your loss of income may discourage you from seeking your full legal entitlement. Free consultation and negotiations are undertaken on a contingency fee basis - meaning a percentage of the money recovered in your favour will be accepted as payment of your legal fee. Alternatively, you may elect to proceed on an hourly basis paid by advance retainer. A portion of your legal fees will be negotiated as part of your settlement. If your employer is unwilling to negotiate your full entitlement, serving a Small Claims Court claim may be necessary and you will be required to pay an initial fee and the disbursements associated with filing and serving court materials. Ontario’s Small Claims Court has the jurisdiction to award up to $25,000.00, plus legal fees and interest. It is relatively inexpensive and provides access to justice without bearing the burden and expense of higher courts. Often cases settle soon after a claim is filed or at a mediation/pre-trial hearing.