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I worked in the Toronto area for a large multi-national whose Canadian head office was in Montreal. They "bought" 4 days a week of my time - paid bi-weekly, for a +7 year period. I provided pre-sales engineering support and after sales technical support primarily for the Toronto market - but also across Canada - from Vancouver to Halifax. I had performed my duties at a very high level with constant commendations from management and company staff. The company provided me with some specialized tools - ex: analyzers - as well as demonstration equipment that they marketed. I maintained this equipment in my home office and used it to perform on-site marketing activities as well as tech support with their client base. Although I was free to pursue other contracts (and I did), this company had my "priority" time. Due to a restructuring - and the requirement to cuts costs - they have recently terminated my "contract" with 30 days’ notice. Technically, I did not sign a contract. I was hired by the president on a hand-shake and the terms were generally agreed via face-to-face meetings and email. Two years ago, I was presented with a proposed written contract but it was never signed due to some disagreements - although parts of it - like my pay details were in force. For example, I disagreed with the requirement to incorporate as well as the 30 day termination agreement. The contract matter was dropped by immediate supervisor and so it was not signed. I'm a senior technical consultant with very respected credentials in my related fields across Canada and the US. I have seen some legal cases in Ontario (described on-line), where under certain circumstances freelance consultants are due similar termination time-frames/remedies as full time employees - and I wonder if I fall in this category. Thanks for your consideration...

Thank you for your question. Based on what you have described, you are likely going to be considered a "dependent contractor". This means that, on termination, you are treated similarly to an employee, in terms of notice/severance. Therefore, 30 days notice for you is not even close and you are likely owed significantly more. Give me a call to discuss this.
Thanks.
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