Does My Employer Have to Give Me a Reason Before Hiring Me?
- Emily Situ
- Jul 20, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Being fired from your job can be stressful and confusing. Many workers want to know: does my employer have to tell me why they let me go?
In Ontario, the short answer is no—your employer does not have to give you a reason for firing you. However, they must still follow the rules in the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights if you’ve been terminated.
✅ Do Employers Have to Give a Reason for Firing You?
No, under Ontario law, your employer doesn’t have to explain why you were fired.
In most cases, they must give you a written notice of termination or termination pay.
In some cases—like serious misconduct—they can fire you without notice or pay, but they still don’t have to explain the details.
Many employers choose not to give a reason because they don’t want to say anything that could be used against them in a legal claim.
✅ When Employers Cannot Fire You
Even though your employer doesn’t have to give a reason, there are illegal reasons for firing someone. If you’re fired for any of the reasons below, your employer may be breaking the law.
1. Rights Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA)
Your employer cannot fire you for exercising your rights under the ESA. For example, it’s illegal to fire you because you:
Took pregnancy or parental leave
Asked about your ESA rights or requested your employer follow the law
Refused to sign an agreement that takes away your ESA rights (like overtime pay)
Filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour
Spoke to an Employment Standards Officer about workplace issues
2. Human Rights Protections
Your employer cannot fire you for reasons that go against the Ontario Human Rights Code.
It’s usually against the law to fire you because of:
Your race, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, citizenship, or place of birth
Your religion or creed
A physical or mental disability, including addiction
The fact that you have children, plan to have children, or are pregnant
Your marital status (married, divorced, single, or common-law)
Your sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
3. Health and Safety Rights
It’s illegal for your employer to fire you for raising health or safety concerns at work. For example:
Asking about chemicals or hazards in your workplace
Refusing unsafe work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
✅ What Reason Might They Give?
Sometimes employers will give a neutral reason, like:
“Business is slow, and we don’t have enough work.”
“We’re restructuring the company.”
Even if they give a reason, it might not be the real reason. If you don’t believe the explanation, you may want to get legal advice to understand your options.
✅ What Should You Do After Being Fired?
Ask for a reason
Even though they don’t have to give one, it may help you decide your next steps.
Gather evidence
Keep termination letters, emails, or any notes that could show why you were fired.
Get legal advice
A licensed paralegal or lawyer can review your situation and tell you if you may have a wrongful dismissal or human rights claim.
Know your options
You may be entitled to termination pay, severance pay, or you may be able to file a claim for discrimination or reprisal.
Conclusion
In Ontario, employers don’t have to give you a reason for firing you. However, they cannot fire you for discriminatory reasons or for exercising your legal rights.
If you think you were fired for an illegal reason or you’re unsure about your rights, Situ Legal Services can help you:
Review your termination
Explain whether you’re owed termination pay or severance
Determine if you have a human rights or wrongful dismissal claim
Guide you through filing a claim or negotiating with your employer
