Workplace Investigations In Alberta - When & How To Conduct

Employers in Alberta are not legally required to conduct investigations of allegations of misconduct against employees. If the conduct(s) of an employee constitutes a serious violation of any workplace policy or general obligations of good behavior, an employer has a legal right to fire an employee for cause. However, there are good reasons why an employer might want to conduct a full investigation in any case.

The threshold for termination for cause is very high. An employer has a legal duty to help the employee succeed in their role within the company. The employer has a duty to give the employee opportunities to remedy any performance issues or behavioral issues that could lead to termination of employment. The employer's conduct towards the employee in response to any alleged misconduct of the employee will come under the microscope of the courts if the fired employee chooses to file a claim.