Kelsey Sibanda
WORKPLACE LAWYER, EDMONTON
About Kelsey Sibanda
Kelsey gained the foundation for her legal career at a national law firm, where she worked on commercial litigation and employment files. She then advanced her expertise by focusing exclusively on employment law at a leading labour and employment law firm.
Kelsey has extensive experience representing both employees and employers in a wide range of matters, including wrongful dismissals, just cause dismissals, lay-offs, severance pay and packages, employment contract review, and human rights violations. Her balanced perspective from representing both sides gives her unique insight into employment disputes and negotiations.
Notable Victories
Negotiated a settlement that resulted in an $80,000 increase for a severance payment
Date: January 2026
Notable Outcome: The employer did not believe the former employee was owed severance beyond the minimum statutory requirements. However, Kelsey successfully argued that the employee was entitled to common law severance beyond the statutory minimum due to the absence of an employment contract restricting their common law notice entitlement and by providing caselaw supporting an award of a 10-month notice period.
Negotiated a settlement that went from $0 to $55,000 following a pre-trial conference that was a for cause dismissal where procedural fairness in the investigation was at issue
Date: February 2026
Notable Outcome: During the pre-trial conference, the employer took the position that they were not going to pay the employee following what they alleged was a just cause dismissal. However, Kelsey successfully secured a settlement for her client by identifying issues relating to the lack of procedural fairness in the investigation process. This is significant because for cause dismissals usually do not result in compensation for the dismissed employee, but they may where procedural fairness is at issue in the investigation leading to the termination.
Negotiated a settlement for an employee that was discriminated against and constructively dismissed
Date: January 2026
Notable Outcome: The employee received $30,000 in general damages for human rights violations due to discriminatory practices in the workplace that contributed to the toxic environment. This is significant because constructive dismissal can be challenging to argue, but when anchored in a human rights claim, it provides a stronger foundation for the case and can lead to significant compensation.
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta