What to do next
Separate the three relationships
Director, officer or employee, and shareholder are distinct. Losing one does not affect the others automatically, and each carries different rights - a wrongful dismissal claim, a directors' liability question, and a shareholder claim can all arise from the same meeting.
Check whether the process was valid
Notice of the meeting, quorum, the class of resolution required, and any protection in the shareholders agreement or articles. Procedural defects can invalidate the removal outright.
Secure information access immediately
As a shareholder you retain statutory rights to corporate records and financial statements even after leaving the board. Request them in writing now - access typically becomes harder once the dispute is formalised.
Address lingering director exposure
Removal does not eliminate liability for the period you served, including trust amounts such as payroll and sales tax. Confirm the resignation was filed with the registry, and check your D&O coverage and any indemnity from the company.
Assess the oppression claim
If board participation or employment was part of your reasonable expectations as a shareholder, removal that defeats them may be oppressive even where the vote itself was valid. Document what was agreed at the outset, however informally.
Frequently asked questions
Can they remove me without a reason?
Generally yes, by ordinary resolution of shareholders. Validity of the removal and fairness to you as a shareholder are separate questions.
Do I lose my shares?
No. Removal as a director does not affect share ownership, unless a shareholders agreement contains a leaver provision requiring transfer - check for one.
Am I still liable for what happened while I was a director?
Potentially, including for unremitted payroll and sales tax. Confirm the registry filing and review your indemnity and D&O coverage.
What lawyer handles this?
A corporate or commercial litigator. Where employment ended at the same time, an employment lawyer too - the claims interact and the sequencing matters.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by location and every situation is different — speak with a qualified lawyer about your specific circumstances.