Home Depot Canada is a subsidiary of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. With over 180 stores across the country, including several in Brampton, it employs thousands of Canadians in both full-time and part-time roles. Like other major retailers, Home Depot regularly undergoes operational changes, including staffing adjustments, department restructuring, and budget-driven layoffs. These transitions can result in severance offers that do not fully reflect what you're entitled to under Ontario law.

‍

Key Steps to Take After Termination from Home Depot Canada

1. Carefully Review Your Termination Package

If you’ve been let go or offered a buyout, the first step is to review all documents carefully. Most severance offers include a legal release that, once signed, limits your right to challenge or negotiate for more. You should never sign a severance offer without a legal review.

‍

2. Understand Your Legal Entitlements in Ontario

Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), employees are entitled to:

• Termination pay: up to 8 weeks (1 week per completed year of service)
• Severance pay: up to 26 weeks, if employed 5+ years and Home Depot’s payroll exceeds $2.5 million (which it does)

These are only minimums. Under common law, depending on your length of service, position, age, and the time it would take to find similar employment, you could be owed significantly more , in some cases, up to 24 months' pay.

‍

3. Track Your Employment Details

Make sure to record your job title, employment duration, duties, performance history, and any promises made by management. These details may become important if your severance package is challenged or needs to be negotiated.

‍

4. Consult a Lawyer Before You Sign Anything

Many employees mistakenly accept a standard package that does not reflect their true legal entitlements. Speaking with an Ontario employment lawyer can help you maximize your severance package and identify whether you have additional claims, such as for unpaid wages or benefits.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

I worked part-time or on contract. Do I still qualify for severance?

Yes. Part-time and some contract workers may still qualify for severance under both the ESA and common law. Courts look at the overall working relationship, not just your job classification.

‍

I was let go due to restructuring or a department shutdown. Does that change my rights?

No. Even if the termination was part of a broader restructuring or downsizing, you are still entitled to severance. The reason for termination — unless it's for just cause — doesn’t limit your entitlement to compensation.

‍

I was offered a lump sum. Is that the full amount I can receive?

Not necessarily. A lump sum may seem appealing, but it may be less than your legal entitlement, especially if it doesn’t include benefits continuation, bonuses, or other compensation you would have earned during a reasonable notice period.

‍

I’m close to retirement. Does that affect my severance?

Yes — and in your favour. Age is a major factor in severance calculations. Older employees, particularly those nearing retirement, are typically awarded more generous notice periods under common law.

‍

Home Depot said I was a “poor performer.” Does that mean I don’t get severance?

Not necessarily. Unless you were terminated for cause — and Home Depot can prove serious misconduct — you are still legally entitled to severance. Poor performance is rarely enough to disqualify someone from compensation.

‍

I received a severance offer with a 5-day deadline. Do I have to respond that quickly?

No. Employers often impose short deadlines, but these are not binding. You are allowed time to obtain legal advice and negotiate a fairer outcome.

‍

At Randy Ai Brampton Employment Lawyers, we specialize in helping employees understand their rights during challenging transitions. Our experienced employment law team has extensive expertise handling termination and severance issues, particularly with major retailers like Home Depot Canada. We ensure your rights are fully protected and aim to maximize your severance package, providing a smooth transition to your next opportunity.

Please do not hesitate to contact our experienced Brampton employment lawyers for a free legal consultation. Randy Ai Brampton Employment Lawyers can be reached at 365-536-2474 or by filling out the contact form.

‍