Question 1

How much severance pay is required in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

Two things stack and they are often confused. The Act respecting labour standards sets a minimum notice of termination that rises with continuous service. Separately, the Civil Code entitles most employees to reasonable notice, which is assessed case by case on age, role, seniority and how quickly comparable work could be found and which is routinely longer than the statutory minimum. Paying only the statutory figure is the most common and most expensive mistake.

Question 2

Can you dismiss someone for poor performance in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but not overnight. An administrative dismissal needs a clearly communicated expectation, real support offered, a reasonable period to correct course and a written record showing all three. Without that, an employee with two years of continuous service can contest and the case becomes about your documentation rather than their performance.

Question 3

What is constructive dismissal in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

A unilateral, substantial change to the essential terms of a job: pay, duties, status or location. The employment relationship is not formally ended, but in law it can be treated as though it was. It is the risk most often created by accident, by reorganizing a role rather than abolishing a position.

Question 4

What should we do when a psychological harassment complaint is filed?

Accepted Answer

Act on it, document it and do not let it sit. Employers carry a duty to prevent harassment and to deal with it once they know, and the policy has to exist in writing. What gets held against an employer is usually not the original behaviour, it is the absence of a response once they were aware.

Question 5

Are you employment lawyers?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not lawyers and we do not give legal advice. We do the HR work that comes first: assessing the situation, building the file, preparing the manager and running the meeting. When a file needs a legal opinion we say so, and we work alongside your counsel.

Employee relations and conflict resolution

When you need it

What we do

Ending employment properly

What you get

Where to go next

Exit interview questions

Quebec employment standards: the employer's guide

Bill 96 Quebec: employer obligations and deadlines

Frequently asked questions

How much severance pay is required in Quebec?

Can you dismiss someone for poor performance in Quebec?

What is constructive dismissal in Quebec?

What should we do when a psychological harassment complaint is filed?

Are you employment lawyers?

Dealing with something right now?