1 and 2. You are not in a unionized job, but
Alberta Labour can probably point you in the right direction.
3. I don't know what 'Financial Reasons' means exactly in this context, but I am assuming that it is not going to be a concern for potential employers. Your boss would be very foolish to do anymore than confirming that you worked there and for how long, when responding to a request from your potential employers, as it will open him up to legal repercussions. I wouldn't clarify it with them, unless they pressed the issue.