>>>>>If some firm asked you your opinion about me and you'd give it (either negative or positive), without my approval or request for being a reference, I'd have bad feelings about it.
>>>>
>>>>Negative comments are illegal in the USA and Canada as far as I know.
>>>
>>>Huh? Is this irony or is it a serious remark?
>>
>>Serious. It is against the law to make a negative comment about a former employee (or even current employee) when asked about this employee's performance or character. Both in Canada and the USA.
>
>Not according to Mike Bean: Re: Forum members named Richard M or Thomas Magnum? Thread #1293640 Message #1294096
>
>But isn't there another issue? The prospective employer should ask the applicant for references and should only ask those persons/firms for comments. So, if the applicant does not mention the former employer, then no information should be gathered there. Right?

The prospective employer can contact any former employer, not just those given as references.