Centre de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île c. Koziol, 2011 QCCQ 1791 (CanLII)

The Facts: Defendant, a pharmacist, is recruited by Plaintiff for the Centre de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île. Defendant is paid a signing bonus of $10,000 on the condition she work for at least two years.  Complete Decision  Two months after being hired, defendant is dismissed without cause, prior notice or severance.  Plaintiff sues Defendant for the reimbursement of the $10,000 signing bonus and for abuse of proceedings for refusing to reimburse same.

Decision: The Court rejects Plaintiff’s claims.  It finds the dismissal of Defendant to be unjustified.  The Court dismisses Plaintiff’s claim to be reimbursed the signing bonus, and the claim for abuse, because the condition of 2 years of employment was not breached as a result of Defendant’s conduct.