The Reference Confirmation Letter is a crucial document in Canadian employment practices, used when a former employer needs to provide formal verification of an individual's employment history and performance. This document type has evolved to address the increasing need for standardized, liability-conscious employment references while complying with Canadian privacy and employment legislation. The Reference Confirmation Letter typically includes verified employment dates, positions held, key responsibilities, and may include performance information when authorized. It's particularly important in situations requiring formal employment verification, such as immigration applications, professional certification, or senior-level hiring processes. The document must balance the need for transparency with privacy requirements under PIPEDA and provincial legislation, while also considering potential liability issues under Canadian law.

1. Letter Header: Company letterhead, date, recipient details, and reference number if applicable

2. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a reference confirmation letter for [Named Individual]

3. Opening Statement: Confirmation of the referee's capacity to provide the reference and relationship to the subject

4. Employment Details: Confirmation of employment dates, position(s) held, and basic responsibilities

5. Performance Summary: Brief, factual statement about the individual's performance and reliability

6. Closing Statement: Standard closing with contact information for any follow-up questions

7. Signature Block: Referee's name, title, and contact information