What to Do in a Termination Meeting
How to protect your rights when you are being let go.
Content last verified against official statutes: March 30, 2026
Context and Setup
You have been called to an unexpected meeting with your manager and an HR representative. You suspect you may be terminated. You have active complaints on file (harassment, privacy, or other). You need to handle this meeting carefully to protect your legal position.
The Conversation
HR
Thank you for joining us. We have made the decision to end your employment, effective today.
You (pause, stay calm)
I would like to understand the reason for this decision. Can you provide the specific cause in writing?
Do not react emotionally. Ask for the reason. If they cite cause, they must be specific. If they refuse to state a reason, note that on the record.
HR
This is a without-cause termination. We are offering you a severance package.
You
I understand. Before we discuss any package, I want to note that I have [active complaints: harassment complaint dated X, CIRB complaint dated Y]. Termination following these complaints raises concerns under CLC s.246.1. I want this noted for the record.
Put the reprisal connection on the record immediately. Do not threaten or argue. Just state the facts.
HR
This decision is unrelated to your complaints. Here is the severance offer.
You
I will review this with my lawyer before responding. What is the deadline for me to sign? I would like to request: a copy of this offer, my complete employee file, my ROE (Record of Employment), a letter confirming the reason for termination, and information about continuation of benefits.
Never sign anything on the spot. Request everything in writing. You have the right to legal review.
HR
We can give you [X days/weeks] to review. We will provide the documents you requested.
You
Thank you. I would also like to confirm: what is the return process for company property, when will my final pay and accrued vacation be paid, and is there a non-disparagement or non-compete clause in this offer?
These are practical questions that also create a record of the terms being offered.
You (before leaving)
Is there anything else I need to sign today?
This catches any additional documents they might try to slip in. The answer should be no. If they ask you to sign anything other than an acknowledgment of receiving the package, decline and say you will review with your lawyer.
Real Court Decision
In Wilson v. Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (2016 SCC 29), the tribunal awarded Reinstatement + Full Back Pay. Read the full case →
What to Document After
- Exact date and time of the meeting.
- Who was present (names and titles).
- The stated reason for termination (or that no reason was given).
- Any mention of your complaints and the employer's response.
- All documents provided or requested.
- The timeline given to respond to the severance offer.
- Immediately secure copies of any work documents you need (personal files, emails forwarded to personal account).
- Contact your lawyer the same day. If you do not have one, book a consultation immediately.
Escalation Options
Key Statutes
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
This platform is designed to help you build your case independently — collecting evidence, documenting incidents, writing complaints in compliance language, and navigating the internal HR process. Many employees can handle these steps without a lawyer.
The most effective time to engage a lawyer is after you have completed the internal process and your employer has failed to resolve your complaint. At that point, a lawyer can review your complete file — your timeline, evidence, complaint, and the employer's response — and provide strategic advice before you file with an external body such as the CIRB, CHRC, or OPC.
By doing the groundwork yourself, your consultation becomes a focused strategic review rather than a costly fact-gathering session. This approach has been validated by employment lawyers who reviewed files prepared using this methodology and found the documentation thorough with nothing to add.
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Cite This Page
MyWorkRights.ca, "What to Do in a Termination Meeting," accessed 2026-04-01, https://myworkrights.ca/scenarios/termination-meeting
Written by the MyWorkRights.ca team, based on direct experience navigating the CIRB, OPC, and CHRC complaint processes and 500+ hours of employment law research.