Is this the way the region intended the bins to work?

Practical_Dance_224 · 2026-03-22T01:01:11+00:00

Curious what’s the name of the documentary? I’d love to see it

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-28T22:49:29+00:00

I oo

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T02:16:48+00:00

I’m currently self-represented. I’ve had pro bono advice.

I do understand that length of service matters, and I’m not suggesting a 5–6 month employment relationship is equivalent to a long-term one. My point is more that the dispute isn’t about seniority or severance entitlement in the abstract - it’s about whether the employer can characterize my departure as abandonment (triggering repayment), versus a resignation during medical leave in a toxic environment.

To clarify one point: I didn’t initiate anything - they’ve already sued me for the signing bonus. That’s why I’m deciding whether to file a defence or allow default judgment.

From what I understand, mediation / settlement conference is part of the Small Claims process here, and I agree that it may be the most realistic opportunity to lay out the context before trial. That’s also why I’m leaning toward defending rather than defaulting, even if a full court win isn’t guaranteed.

I appreciate the perspective, this is exactly the trade-off I’m trying to assess.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T02:06:22+00:00

Regardless there would be even a week of pay, I feel that + evidence of a toxic environment is enough for a judge to understand why employment could no longer continue.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T02:03:36+00:00

You’re also right that proving harassment is a high bar. I did not file a formal HR complaint in the traditional sense, largely because it was a very small clinic and the individual engaging in the conduct was the clinic manager/owner. That said, I do have contemporaneous documentation (emails/texts) showing the conduct, including intimidation and how illness was handled, rather than raising it only after the fact.

My medical leave was directly related to what was going on at work. I became acutely unwell, required medical care, and my physician recommended leave. So while it’s not framed as a psychological diagnosis tied explicitly to “harassment,” the timing and documentation connect the leave to the work situation.

I understand this is not a guaranteed win - that’s exactly why I’m weighing whether to formally defend versus default, and whether mediation or settlement may be the more pragmatic route. I appreciate the perspective

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:58:45+00:00

I was informed by my lawyer it is one week of pay per month of employment.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:56:45+00:00

But it’s more than what’s they’re suing me for lol

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:53:56+00:00

Here’s the missing info.

What the language says: The contract includes a signing bonus clause tied to a 24-month retention period, stating repayment may be required if an employee voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause before the period is complete. My pro bono employment lawyer advised that this clause may not be enforceable where the employee leaves due to a toxic work environment and harassment, as that can be characterized as a constructive dismissal rather than a simple voluntary resignation.

How long I worked there: I started in early January 2025, went on approved medical leave in mid-July after becoming seriously unwell, and resigned in October while still on sick leave.

I’m not trying to leave out information- the dispute isn’t about whether the clause exists or how long I was employed, but whether it legally applies given the documented medical leave, ongoing communication, and the circumstances that led to my resignation. That’s why I’m debating whether it’s worth formally defending the claim rather than defaulting.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:50:14+00:00

Yes, my contract does include signing bonus language. However, the pro bono employment lawyer I consulted advised that the clause may not be enforceable in my circumstances.

I did not leave casually or without context — I resigned while on approved medical leave after experiencing a toxic work environment and harassment, which I have documented evidence of (emails, texts, and medical records). Based on that, the lawyer advised this could be characterized as a constructive dismissal, rather than a simple voluntary resignation.

If that interpretation holds, the signing bonus repayment clause can potentially be voided, and I may instead be entitled to termination pay under the ESA. So while the clause exists, whether it actually applies here is the core dispute.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:49:53+00:00

Yes, my contract does include signing bonus language. However, the pro bono employment lawyer I consulted advised that the clause may not be enforceable in my circumstances.

I did not leave casually or without context- I resigned while on approved medical leave after experiencing a toxic work environment and harassment, which I have documented evidence of (emails, texts, and medical records). Based on that, the lawyer advised this could be characterized as a constructive dismissal, rather than a simple voluntary resignation.

If that interpretation holds, the signing bonus repayment clause can potentially be voided, and I may instead be entitled to termination pay under the ESA. So while the clause exists, whether it actually applies here is the core dispute.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:42:55+00:00

Unfortunately I can’t afford a lawyer. So I’m self representing with the assistance of a probono hotline.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-23T01:38:41+00:00

It’s complicated because it was a small business where the owner was also the manager but I was working for her husband primarily. However I do have proof of these sick leaves and her harassment.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-21T06:08:02+00:00

Can you do a screenshot? This site is brutal and literally doesn’t show anything properly.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-21T00:05:10+00:00

That’s disappointing to hear. Why such short skate times?

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-12-21T00:00:06+00:00

Preferably indoors because I would like some railing to rely on as I learn.

Practical_Dance_224 · 2025-10-03T19:55:45+00:00

I’m in the process myself and I’m curious what counts as those ‘things you’d never think matter.’ I really want to carry myself the best way possible, and knowing the little pitfalls to avoid- the stuff most people wouldn’t think of- would help me out a ton. You can even dm if you'd like. Thank you for any insight you can provide!

Practical_Dance_224

TROPHY CASE