Ontario Equity Disputes: Friel v HUB Case Banner

Ontario Equity Disputes: Friel v HUB Case

Managing stock option conflicts requires careful analysis of corporate contracts. In Friel v. HUB International Limited, 2026 ONCA 313, the Ontario Court of Appeal provided critical clarity regarding Ontario equity disputes. Specifically, the court confirmed that a fight over stock options can be governed by separate equity agreements rather than an underlying employment contract. Consequently, this principle applies even when options were granted because of an employment relationship. The decision sent the dispute to Delaware courts instead of local Ontario…

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Ontario ESA “One Week Per Year” Severance Pay Rule Explained

By a Toronto Employment Lawyer (With Example) Many employees in Ontario are told that severance pay is “one week per year of service.” As an employment lawyer in Toronto, we regularly see this phrase misunderstood or misused by employers. Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), “one week per year” usually refers to statutory severance pay, which is different from statutory termination pay (notice or pay in lieu of notice). In many cases, employees may be entitled to more than ESA minimums under common law. This guide…

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