(416) 214-5111
Sultan Lawyers
Book Now
(416) 214-5111

Toronto Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers on Unpaid Wages, Unpaid Commissions

Disagreements stemming from questions over wages, commissions, or other payments owing to employees often arise in the workplace. Employees who believe that their employer owes them unpaid amounts should consult with a knowledgeable employment lawyer before taking any action. A wrongful dismissal lawyer Toronto will help you understand your options, help you craft a plan for moving forward, and ensure you obtain the money you have worked hard for.

At Sultan Lawyers in Toronto, our exceptional team of employment lawyers regularly advise employees about their rights in the workplace, including how to recover unpaid wages, unpaid commissions, and other money owing. We are committed to protecting our clients’ fundamental rights and interests. It is for this reason that we are driven by grit and a sheer determination to work harder, faster and more effectively than others to meet the challenges and help you.

Recovering Unpaid Wages in Ontario

Recovering unpaid wages from your employer can be as simple as having an employment lawyer initiate discussions with the employer on your behalf. This is often sufficient to motivate an employer to comply with their obligations.

However, in some instances, an employer will not pay outstanding wages and further action must be taken. In such cases, an employee seeking compensation can file a claim against an employer in court, or they can file an Employment Standards claim with the Ministry of Labour. Employees must choose one over the other as they cannot pursue both options.

Different rules apply to unionized employees (who should speak to their union representative about their options), federal employees, and independent contractors.

Consulting with an employment lawyer as soon as possible when you are seeking payment from your employer is important. A lawyer can get the conversation started with the employer, and, in the meantime, can help you understand the pros and cons of pursuing either a lawsuit or an Employment Standards claim.

Recovering Unpaid Commissions and Other Payments in Ontario 

Under the Employment Standards Act, “wages” are defined as any type of monetary payment owed to an employee, and in addition to salary, also includes other payments including commission, profit sharing, and vacation pay, among others. Under the Act, “wages” does not include payments that are based on an employee’s performance, including bonuses and other gifts.

Similarly to an employee who believes they are owed salary, a provincially-regulated employee who believes they are owed outstanding commissions, profit sharing, vacation pay, or any other wage can also file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour or sue their employer.

If You Are Owed Money by Your Employer Contact Sultan Lawyers in Toronto 

If you are an employee owed money by your employer contact the Toronto employment lawyers at Sultan Lawyers. We will represent your interests, negotiate with your employer, and fight for you where discussions do not work. Our goal is to get you what you are owed. Contact us online or at 416-214-5111 for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are employers legally obligated to pay interns?

In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act sets out protections specifically for employees. However, some classes of workers do not fall into the definition of “employee” and the Employment Standards Act does not apply to these separate classes of workers.

Someone called an intern will generally be considered to be an employee under the ESA (and therefore will need to be paid) if they:

  • receive training from an employer
  • are being trained in a skill that is used by the employer’s employees

However, the ESA does not apply to an individual who performs work that is under a program approved by a:

  • college of applied arts and technology or a university
  • private career college registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005

That being said, unpaid internships are not permitted unless:

  • The intern is receiving academic training
  • The position is providing training required for a specific profession (ie. an articling student or architecture student)
  • The internship fulfills all the requirements that must be met to be classified as a “trainee” under the ESA

How much vacation time am I entitled to under ESA, 2000 (“ESA”)?

In Ontario, and under the ESA, an employee with less than five (5) years of service with the same employer is entitled to two (2) weeks of paid vacation per year. Once an employee reaches five (5) years or more of service with the same employer, the employee becomes entitled to three (3) weeks of paid vacation.

Please note that these are ESA minimums only, and as such, employers and employees are free to negotiate an employee’s vacation entitlements to the extent that the vacation arrangement complies with the minimum vacation entitlements as set out under the ESA, or other applicable employment legislation in the relevant jurisdiction.


Book Now

Client Testimonials

“I want to sincerely thank Sharaf Sultan and his team for their assistance. Right from the beginning, I knew they were extremely knowledgeable and hard working. I also had confidence that Sharaf and his team understood my perspective and that they were prepared to work hard to receive the best result possible. Sharaf and his team were always professional and diligent when providing legal services. He truly went above and beyond my expectations. The whole team provided honest and precise services and they managed to solve any problems that arose during my case. I would definitely work with them again!!”

C. Bell

“Kristine Gorman of Sultan Lawyers was terrific in helping me get a Canadian work visa. Responsive, friendly, but mostly incredibly thorough and efficient, she was a life line for when I needed wise counsel and focused expertise.”

D. Baum, Ph.D., D.Min. Management Consultant

“Sultan Lawyers provided a great experience during a difficult time with my employer. Kristine was extremely thorough and knowledgeable when reviewing and articulating the risks and details of my severance package. I am thankful for Kristine as her expertise enabled and empowered me to confidently make a decision on my options.”

James V.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Sharaf and Alexandra for their employment expertise and their impressive level of client service. Not only was their legal counsel top-notch, but Sharaf helped me navigate the tricky emotional waters related to my matter in a healthy way. He saw the big picture and helped me toward the best possible outcome for me now and into the future. As a lawyer myself, I realised that the smartest thing I could do in my circumstances was to have excellent legal advice, and Sharaf and Alexandra went above my expectations. It was empowering to work with them, and I can't thank Sultan Lawyers enough!”

N. Haras

I had an incredible experience working with the Sultan Lawyers team from start to finish. They were friendly and professional, and made me feel at ease with what I was going through. They provided me with some incredible advice, which resulted in a better outcome than I had expected. They also followed up with me to make sure everything was ok, which was a lovely touch, they really care about their clients. I also felt like the service  I received was incredibly affordable, and I would definitely recommend Sultan Lawyers to anyone, without hesitation.

A. Kelly

I had the pleasure of getting advice from Ani to resolve my concerns about an employer enforcing an unreasonably long resignation notice, which could have prevented me from taking another opportunity to grow my professional experience and achieve my goals. Ani was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process. Her positive attitude and expertise gave me peace of mind, and I couldn't have asked for a better advocate. Highly recommend!

J. Núñez
Sultan Lawyers November 6, 2026

Can You Get EI If You Quit Your Job Due to Mental Health?

You may be able to get Employment Insurance (“EI”) after quitting your job because of your mental health, but it is not automatic. Service Canada pays regular benefits only if…

Sultan Lawyers October 30, 2026

Can Your Employer Change Your Hours, Schedule, or Job Duties?

Your employer can make some changes to your hours, schedule, or job duties without your agreement, but not all. Minor changes within the normal scope of your role are generally…

Sultan Lawyers October 23, 2026

Can a Union Employee Be Fired Without Warning?

A union employee can be fired without warning, but only in limited circumstances. Unionized employees are protected by a collective agreement, which generally means an employer cannot dismiss them without…

© Sultan Lawyers. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy / Disclaimer