Background:
Lauren Briggs was hired by ABC Insurance Solutions Inc. as a customer service manager on November 15, 2021, with a salary of $60,000, later raised to $67,410. She worked in a hybrid role, commuting from Mission to the office in Langley, which cost her $1,200 per month. In March 2023, she discussed a commuting allowance with her employer, David Boyce, but no decision was communicated. After several follow-ups, Briggs informed Boyce in July 2023 that she could no longer afford the commute.

On July 9, 2023, ABC Insurance terminated Briggs' employment, claiming she had repudiated the contract.

Legal Issues:
Briggs sued for wrongful dismissal, arguing that the termination clause in her employment contract was unenforceable and that she had not repudiated her contract. ABC Insurance claimed Briggs refused to work in the office, amounting to repudiation, and later raised an argument of after-acquired cause for dismissal.

Court’s Findings:
The court found that Briggs had not repudiated her contract and that ABC Insurance had wrongfully dismissed her. The court also ruled the termination clause was ambiguous and unenforceable.

Award:
The court awarded Briggs four and a half months’ pay in lieu of notice (approximately $25,500 based on her salary) and provisional costs, with final amounts to be settled between the parties. The employer’s claim of after-acquired cause was dismissed due to lack of evidence.