Quebec is its own entire universe in itself, lol. They are to Canada what Louisiana is to the U.S. 
Interesting... in the U.S. the term is simply defined by whether cause is required, irrespective of any notice period prescribed by law. I guess to some degree one is able to terminate an employee if they pay out the contract, in essence paying them not to work with everyone else (the "rubber room"). Thanks for the extensive update.