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Severance Agreement And General Release Template for Canada

A comprehensive legal document governed by Canadian federal and provincial employment laws that formalizes the termination of employment and outlines the terms of separation between an employer and employee. The agreement details severance compensation, benefits continuation, and other termination-related matters while securing a release of claims from the employee. It must comply with minimum standards set by applicable provincial employment standards legislation and the common law principles of reasonable notice, while addressing specific requirements for valid releases under Canadian law, including consideration of the statutory reflection period where applicable.

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What is a Severance Agreement And General Release?

The Severance Agreement And General Release is a crucial document used in Canadian employment terminations to formalize the end of an employment relationship and provide certainty to both parties. It is typically used in both voluntary and involuntary terminations where a severance package exceeding statutory minimums is offered. The agreement must comply with federal and provincial employment standards, human rights legislation, and common law requirements. It should be presented with sufficient time for employee review and independent legal advice, particularly given Canadian courts' scrutiny of releases. The document typically includes detailed severance calculations, benefit continuation terms, release of claims, and confidentiality provisions, while ensuring compliance with tax regulations regarding treatment of various payment components.

What sections should be included in a Severance Agreement And General Release?

1. Parties: Identifies the employer and employee who are parties to the agreement

2. Background: States the context of the agreement, including employment history and termination date

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Termination Date: Specifies the official end date of employment

5. Severance Payment: Details the severance amount, payment schedule, and tax treatment

6. Benefits Continuation: Outlines any continuation of health benefits, insurance, or other benefits

7. Return of Company Property: Lists company property to be returned and deadline for return

8. General Release: Comprehensive release of claims against the employer

9. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and terms of the agreement

10. Non-Disparagement: Mutual obligations not to make negative statements about each other

11. References: Agreement on how employment references will be handled

12. Governing Law: Specifies applicable law and jurisdiction

13. Acknowledgment: Employee's acknowledgment of understanding and voluntary acceptance

14. Execution: Signature blocks and dating of the agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Severance Agreement And General Release?

1. Ongoing Cooperation: Required when employee needs to assist with transition or future matters

2. Stock Options/Equity: Include when employee has equity compensation that needs addressing

3. Non-Competition: Used when implementing post-employment competition restrictions

4. Non-Solicitation: Used when protecting against solicitation of employees or customers

5. Outplacement Services: Include when providing career transition assistance

6. Legal Fees: When employer is contributing to employee's legal costs for review

7. Resignation from Offices: Required when employee held corporate offices or directorships

8. Pension and RRSP: Include when addressing specific pension or retirement savings arrangements

9. Reinstatement Rights: Used when allowing for potential future re-employment

10. Immigration Status: Include when employment termination affects work permits or immigration status

What schedules should be included in a Severance Agreement And General Release?

1. Schedule A - Severance Calculation: Detailed breakdown of severance payment calculations

2. Schedule B - Outstanding Company Property: Itemized list of company property to be returned

3. Schedule C - Benefit Continuation Details: Specific details of continued benefits and coverage periods

4. Schedule D - Release of Claims: Detailed release language required by provincial law

5. Schedule E - Stock Option/RSU Details: Details of equity compensation treatment

6. Appendix 1 - Certificate of Independent Legal Advice: Confirmation that employee received independent legal advice

7. Appendix 2 - Resignation Letter: Standard form resignation letter if required

8. Appendix 3 - Reference Letter: Agreed form of employment reference

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Canada

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Release Agreement

Cost

Free to use

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