Winnipeg Doctor Sues Clinic Operator, Alleging Breach of Contract After Relocation
A Winnipeg doctor is suing a clinic operator, claiming a breach of contract after being moved from a promised position and later terminated. Dr. Emeka Onyemachi alleges significant financial losses stemming from the dispute, after relocating to Manitoba partly due to provincial incentives designed to attract physicians.
Onyemachi previously operated a medical clinic on McPhillips Street for several years and had also spent five years establishing practices at Rivergrove Medical Clinic on Main Street in north Winnipeg.He made the decision to move to Manitoba from the U.K., citing incentives offered by the province, including resettlement support, lump sum payments, and transitional education support.
In December 2023, Onyemachi signed a 36-month contract with Trucare clinic, expecting to begin work in March 2024. The contract stipulated Trucare could terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice for cause, or instantly if they persistent he jeopardized patient or staff safety. according to the lawsuit, filed August 28th in Court of King’s Bench, clinic owner Dr. Shahab Rezazadeh assured Onyemachi he would have a busy practice at the Trucare location, with a regular share of walk-in patients and support for marketing and administration.
Though, Onyemachi claims he was unexpectedly assigned to work at the Rivergrove clinic without any prior consultation or consent.He argues this was a “basic departure” from thier agreement, limiting his patient volume and the scope of services he could provide due to the smaller facility. While Rezazadeh offered additional shifts at Trucare to compensate for potential lost income, this would have meant increased workload on top of his Rivergrove duties.
In September 2024, onyemachi received a termination letter from Trucare, alleging rude and disrespectful behaviour towards staff, creating a “fearful” environment. The letter also cited unscheduled workdays and inequitable use of clinic equipment. It referenced an email Onyemachi sent that day, which Trucare deemed “egregious, disrespectful [and] inaccurate.” The clinic claimed his actions “jeopardized the emotional safety” of staff, constituting a breach of contract, and requested he leave within 30 days.
Onyemachi subsequently secured a new position in October 2024, but alleges trucare refused to transfer his patient records to his new workplace. He further claims Trucare interfered with his new practice by falsely informing his former patients they were unaware of his current employment.
The lawsuit also alleges that a $10,000 payment intended for Onyemachi under provincial specialist recruitment and physician resettlement funds was rather paid to Rezazadeh by Shared Health without his consent. Onyemachi is seeking compensation for lost earnings, claiming his income was considerably reduced compared to what he would have earned working exclusively at Trucare as originally agreed.
The suit claims damages for wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment, as well as punitive damages.
As of publication, none of the allegations have been proven in court, and statements of defence have not yet been filed. CBC News attempted to contact Rezazadeh for comment but did not receive a response.
