U of W calls for lawsuit by ousted ex-president to be dismissed

Todd Mondor is shown in an undated photo. (University of Winnipeg/Instagram)

The University of Winnipeg is asking a court to throw out a lawsuit from its former president, arguing it neither breached his employment contract nor misled him when it terminated his position last year.

Todd Mondor, the university’s tenth president and former vice-chancellor, launched the suit in January after he was allegedly dismissed without cause on Nov. 24, 2025. In his statement of claim, Mondor alleges the termination was handled in a “misleading, callous, humiliating” manner and breached the duty of good faith.

According to the claim, Mondor alleges he was required to formally resign from committee roles as a condition for receiving termination entitlements, something it says was not stipulated in his employment agreement.

The claim further alleges that while this condition was later dropped, it was replaced with a new requirement not outlined in the agreement—that Mondor provide the passcode to his work phone before returning it upon termination.

Although that condition was ultimately removed, the filing claims that payments tied to his chosen compensation package and non-registered supplemental plan were not issued within the 30-day period specified in the agreement.

READ MORE: ‘Former University of Winnipeg president sues after abrupt termination’

However, in a statement of defence filed Tuesday, the university denies breaching the agreement and says it met all of its obligations to Mondor.

“The actions of the university relating to the termination of the plaintiff’s employment were in accordance with normal practices involving the immediate termination of the employment of a senior executive with the size of the university,” reads the filing.

The university argues its requests—including that Mondor step down from boards and committees and provide access to his work phone—were reasonable under the circumstances.

It also acknowledges the severance payment was delayed but says it was only “by a matter of days” and did not cause Mondor harm.

Mondor received a gross payment of $799,324.18 on Jan. 30, in addition to $52,038.46 made “shortly after” his termination, the filing claims.

“The university states that the decision of the board to proceed with the termination of the plaintiff’s employment was made bona fide, taking into consideration the best interests of the university,” reads the statement of defence.

The filing also states that any comments made by the former board chair or another board member about the possibility of Mondor serving two terms were personal opinions. It adds the decision to terminate his employment was unanimous and denies Mondor was ever told reappointment was likely.

Preliminary steps taken ahead of the termination—such as drafting a termination letter and arranging for security personnel—were described as “reasonable and prudent” given the possibility of an immediate dismissal, according to the filing.

Mondor began his role as president and vice-chancellor on April 1, 2022, under a single term set to run until June 20, 2027, per the university.

CTV News has reached out to Mondor’s lawyer for comment and is awaiting a response.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.