Just cause can include:

• Theft or other material dishonesty,
• Creating a conflict of interest,
• Use of drugs or alcohol in a way that interferes with work, or
• Intentional insubordination (including intentionally disobeying your boss or repeatedly breaking a clear rule or instructions).

In British Columbia, the notice must be reasonable. The minimum notice period (or payment instead) usually depends on length of time in the job.

• Less than three months in a row, employer does not need to give notice.
• After working three months in a row, employer must give at least one week’s notice (or payment in lieu).
• After working 12 months in a row, employer must give at least 2 weeks’ notice or pay.
• After working three years in a row, employer must give at least 3 weeks’ notice or pay.
• More than three years in a row, employer must give three weeks’ notice or pay plus a week for each additional year of service up to 8 weeks.

Notice of termination or pay in lieu is not required when:

• Employee quits or retires
• The job is on-call, temporary work
• The job was for an agreed-upon length
• The job is for specific work to be completed in 12 months or less
• It is impossible for the employee to perform the work because of some unforeseen event
• It relates to a construction worker on a construction site where employer’s principal business is construction
• Employee refuses to take another, similar job
• Employee is a teacher employed by a board of school trustees