The plaintiff, a long-term executive, brought a motion for summary judgment against Air Canada for wrongful dismissal, seeking damages for reasonable notice, lost bonuses, pension benefits, group health benefits, and flight privileges following his termination with two weeks' notice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court granted summary judgment, finding a 24-month reasonable notice period was warranted given the plaintiff's age, length of service, senior position, and the pandemic's impact on the airline industry.
The court awarded damages for lost salary, group health benefits, pension accrual (grossed up), and LTIP accrual, and ordered specific performance for retiree flight privileges.
Issues regarding a 2021 AIP bonus and a COVID-19 relief bonus were deferred to a summary trial.
The court also found Air Canada failed to prove the plaintiff did not reasonably mitigate his damages.
