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Human resources regulations

Human resources regulations

It is important to understand your obligations and responsibilities as an employer. Following these rules will help ensure that your employees are treated fairly and kept safe while at work.

Employment Standards

To ensure that employees are treated fairly, the federal and provincial governments have established employment standards regarding:

  • Minimum wage
  • Annual vacations and other types of leave
  • Public (statutory) holidays
  • Hours of work, including standard hours, overtime and emergency requirements

If your business is in a federally regulated industry, you need to comply with federal employment standards. The industry sectors that are regulated federally are:

  • Banks
  • Marine shipping, ferry and port services
  • Air transportation, including airports, aerodromes and airlines
  • Railway and road transportation that involves crossing provincial or international borders
  • Canals, pipelines, tunnels and bridges (crossing provincial borders)
  • Telephone, telegraph and cable systems
  • Radio and television broadcasting
  • Grain elevators, feed and seed mills
  • Uranium mining and processing
  • Businesses dealing with the protection of fisheries as a natural resource
  • Many First Nation activities
  • Most federal crown corporations
  • Private businesses necessary to the operation of a federal act

If your business is not in one of these sectors, you have to comply with provincial or territorial employment standards.

If your employees are unionized, there may be additional standards set out in their collective agreement that go above and beyond what is required by law.

General information on employment standards

These documents provide general information on all aspects of labour standards.

  • Federal Labour Standards (Federally Regulated Employers)
    If you are a federally regulated employer, know the obligations you have to your employees regarding wages, deductions, working hours, vacation, statutory holidays, termination, benefits and compliance.
  • Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Labour
    If your business is not federally regulated, you must comply with labour standards specified by your provincial or territorial government.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Employers' Council
    Get support on employer issues such as labour legislation, workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, regulations and standards.
  • Labour Relations Agency (Newfoundland and Labrador)
    Get information on labour standards, assistance with resolving workplace issues or help with collective agreements.
  • Labour Relations Agency — Frequently Asked Questions (Newfoundland and Labrador)
    Find labour standards information for Newfoundland and Labrador, including minimum wages, deductions, working hours, vacation, and benefits.
  • Employment Standards (New Brunswick)
    Find out about employment rules, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, vacations with pay and sick leave.
  • Guide to the Labour Standards Code of Nova Scotia
    This clear, everyday language version of the Labour Standards Code outlines everything from overtime rules to notice requirements when an employee quits.
  • Employment Rights (Nova Scotia)
    Both employees and employers have rights and responsibilities under Nova Scotia's Labour Standards Code. This site outlines all rules and regulations in detail.
  • Human resources (Quebec) (only available in French)
    Keep informed of your rights and responsibilities when hiring and managing employees, as well as when their employment ends.
  • Commission des normes du travail du Québec
    If you are a business owner, you must familiarize yourself with and comply with Quebec labour standards and the acts and regulations governing them.
  • Employment Standards (Manitoba)
    Make sure you understand your right as a business owner and your responsibility to your employees regarding minimum wage, keeping records, dress code, termination, hours of work, general holidays and maternity/parental leave.
  • Labour Standards Permits, Licences and Variances - Saskatchewan
    As an employer, you need to get permission to deviate from the rules and regulations of the Labour Standards Act in Saskatchewan.
  • Labour Standards (Saskatchewan)
    If you are a provincially-regulated employer, make sure you understand the obligations you have to your employees regarding wages, working hours, vacation, statutory holidays, termination, benefits and compliance.
  • A Guide to Labour Standards in Saskatchewan – Rights and Responsibilities
    As an employer in Saskatchewan, know your rights and responsibilities related to labour standards.
  • The Labour Standards Act - Saskatchewan
    If you are an employer in a non-federally regulated sector in Saskatchewan, know the employment and labour standards with which you must comply.
  • Alberta employment standards
    Find rules regarding wages, hours of work, overtime, vacations and other leave, termination of employment, and employees under 18 years of age.
  • Employment Standards (Yukon)
    Make sure you understand your rights as a business owner and your responsibility to your employees regarding minimum wage, equal pay, keeping records, termination, hours of work, general holidays, vacation pay and maternity/parental leave.

Sector-specific employment standards

  • Federal construction contracts
    Learn about the labour conditions that you must meet in order to win construction contracts with the federal government.
  • Managing Retail Workers in Ontario
    Learn what your responsibilities are for managing retail workers in Ontario.
  • Hiring and Managing a Homeworker in Ontario
    Learn what a homeworker (someone doing work for you out of his or her own home) is and understand your responsibilities as the employer.
  • A Retailer's Guide to Labour Standards in Saskatchewan
    As a retailer with employees, know your rights, responsibilities and obligations under the Saskatchewan Labour Standards laws.
  • Labour Standards for the Restaurant and Food Industry - Saskatchewan
    If you are an employer in the restaurant and foodservices industry in Saskatchewan, know your rights, responsibilities and obligations under the Saskatchewan Labour Standards laws.
  • A Guide to Employment Standards in Agriculture (Manitoba)
    Applies to: Manitoba
    Are you an agri-business employer? Learn more about your rights and responsibilities.

Wages and Payroll

As an employer, you are required to pay your employees at least the minimum wage established for the province or territory. For most occupations, there is one hourly minimum wage that applies. However, there are some exceptions for young workers and people in specific occupations. When paying your employees, you will also need to take off taxes and other deductions and remit them to the government.

To find out more about wages and payroll requirements, browse these resources:

  • Wages, Pay and Deductions (Federally Regulated Employers)
    If your business is federally regulated, you must comply with these requirements regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation pay, severance pay, deductions from pay cheques and pay periods.
  • Current and Forthcoming Minimum Hourly Wage Rates for Experienced Adult Workers
    This document lists the current minimum wage in each province and territory, and also lists any planned increases to the minimum wage.
  • Current and Forthcoming Minimum Wage Rates for Young Workers and Specific Occupations
    This document lists the wage rates for certain groups of people to whom the general minimum wage does not apply. These wages are sometimes listed as hourly and sometimes as a daily, weekly or monthly rate.
  • Calculation tools for employees
    Find calculators to help you determine the amounts to which your employees are entitled.
  • Minimum Wage in Ontario
    Find out about minimum wage regulations and make sure you are paying your employees the right rate.
  • Pay and Wages (Nova Scotia)
    Here is your source for questions you may have about paying your employees, including information on minimum wage, overtime and vacation pay.
  • Minimum Wage Regulations - Saskatchewan
    If you are a provincially regulated employer, know the obligations you have to your employees regarding minimum wage.
  • Employer Payroll Responsibilities
    Important information on deducting Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums and income tax from income your employees pay, and reporting them to the Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Employer Responsibilities — The Payroll Steps
    As an employer, you must follow a number of steps for managing your employees' payroll. Understand your obligations.
  • Benefits and allowances
    If you decide to provide your employees with any financial benefits, you may have to deduct taxes from that benefit.
  • Introduction to Pay Equity in Ontario
    Did you know if you employ ten or more people, your business must pay your male and female employees the same salary for equal or comparable work?
  • Hiring and Managing Domestic Workers
    Applies to: Ontario
    Do you employ domestic workers? Learn what your responsibilities are as an employer.
  • Source deductions and contributions
    As an employer, you are required to make contributions to the Quebec Pension Plan for all employees aged 18 and over.
  • Guide for Employers: Source Deductions and Contributions
    Obtain information on the source deductions that you must make when you have paid employees.
  • Northwest Territories Payroll Tax
    Applies to: Northwest Territories
    If you are an employer in the Northwest Territories, you need to register with the Department of Finance within the first 21 days of your first payroll cycle.
  • Act to Promote Workforce Skills Development and Recognition (only available in French)
    If your annual payroll exceeds $1,000,000, you must invest at least 1% in employee training.

Hours of Work and Overtime

There are provincial and territorial standards that set out the number of hours an employee can be required to work per day and per week. The standards on hours of work also set out rules for meals and break periods. These standards apply to most employees and most situations. However, there are some exceptions and specific rules for overtime, emergencies and certain professions or job functions.

  • Hours of Work (Federally Regulated Employers)
    Learn about the requirements for hours of work and overtime for federally regulated employers.
  • Hours of Work (Ontario)
    Find out about the requirements for hours of work and overtime pay for your employees.
  • Breaks, Hours of Work (Nova Scotia)
    Find out everything you need to know about Nova Scotia regulations on hours of work, break requirements, the right for employees to refuse unsafe work, and more.

Public Holidays

In most cases, you will need to pay your employees for public holidays. The list of public holidays and the specific rules regarding public holidays are set out in provincial and territorial labour standards.

Vacation and Other Types of Personal Leave

As an employer, you will also have to follow provincial and territorial labour standards relating to personal leave. The types of leave and exact terms used to describe them vary across the country, but generally include: vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave and leave to take care of sick family members.

  • Leave (Federally Regulated Employers)
    Learn about the leave options that federally regulated employers must make available to their employees.
  • Your Military Leave Policy
    Find out how to develop a military leave policy to support the training of any reservists or Canadian Rangers on your staff.
  • Leaves from Work (Nova Scotia)
    Find out about your obligations under the Nova Scotia Labour Code with regards to these types of leave: pregnancy/parental, bereavement, court, compassionate care, Canadian Forces Reservists' leave and sick days.
  • Vacation Time and Pay (Ontario)
    If you are an employer in Ontario, this document will help you understand your responsibilities with regard to providing vacation time for your staff.
  • Personal Emergency Leave (Ontario)
    Learn what your responsibilities are as an employer, when providing employees with personal emergency leave.
  • Family Medical Leave (Ontario)
    Learn what your responsibilities are as an employer, when providing employees with family medical leave.
  • Employment Insurance Benefits for Self-Employed People
    Are you self-employed? If you think you may wish to access maternity, parental, sickness or compassionate care benefits through the employment insurance program, you need to start paying into it a year in advance.

Maternity and Parental Leave

All provinces and territories in Canada give parents the right to take leave from work when they become parents. The exact amount of leave and type of leave that employees are entitled to may vary slightly by province or territory, but is generally:

  • 15 weeks of pregnancy/maternity leave (must be taken by the mother), plus 35 weeks of parental leave (can be used by either the mother or father, or split between both) for birth parents
  • 37 weeks of parental leave for adoptive parents

In addition to being able to take time off, your employees may be eligible for benefits through the Employment Insurance Program (for all provinces/territories except Quebec) or the Quebec Parental Insurance Program.

EI or QPIP benefits only cover a portion of your employee's usual salary when on leave. As an employer, you can choose to add to those benefits. While this is not required, offering additional maternity or parental leave benefits, like other types of benefits offered by employers, can help you recruit and retain top talent.

You need to issue your employee a Record of Employment at the beginning of the leave period.

Employment Equity and Human Rights

As an employer, you have the responsibility to create a work environment where employees are treated with respect. That means ensuring that there is no discrimination or harassment in the workplace. These documents will help you understand your obligations with regards to employment equity and human rights.

  • Preventing discrimination
    Learn how to prevent discrimination in the workplace and how to respect your employees' human rights.
  • Anti-Harassment Policies for the Workplace — An Employer's Guide
    As an employer, you should proactively develop anti-harassment policies to ensure that you comply with labour standards.
  • Federal Contractors Program
    If your business has 100 employees or more and works on federal government contracts worth $200,000 or more, you have to meet certain employment equity requirements.
  • The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and Regulations
    As an employer, protect yourself and your staff from discriminatory practices by knowing the categories and areas that are protected under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
  • A Guide to Human Rights for Employers - Saskatchewan
    Protect yourself and your employees from discriminatory practices in your workplace by knowing and respecting the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
  • A Guide to Application Forms and Interviews for Employers and Job Applicants - Saskatchewan
    Prevent discrimination in your hiring process by knowing what interview questions you can or can't ask.
  • Sexual Harassment - Saskatchewan
    Protect yourself and your staff from sexual harassment in the workplace by knowing the human rights laws and what constitutes harassment and discrimination.
  • Introduction to Pay Equity in Ontario
    Did you know if you employ ten or more people, your business must pay your male and female employees the same salary for equal or comparable work?
  • Pay equity in Quebec (only available in French)
    Quebec's Pay Equity Act requires that you conduct a pay equity exercise within your business.
  • Human Rights Commission - Newfoundland and Labrador
    Obtain information on the Human Rights Code and find out how to eliminate discriminatory practices at your workplace.
  • Human Rights in the Workplace (Nova Scotia)
    Learn about your obligations to protect human rights in the workplace and provide reasonable accommodation for employees.
  • Women's Policy Office
    Find out about gender equity related activities, violence prevention initiatives, and statistics and research on issues affecting women.
  • Human rights in the workplace (Yukon)
    Get the information you need to ensure that your business provides an environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Workplace Health and Safety

You have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of all of your employees while they are working. This requires that you comply with certain regulations and standards for the safety of your workplace.

  • Employer and Employee Duties - Occupational Health and Safety (Federally Regulated Employers)
    Read about the obligations that you and your employees have under the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
  • Tools and Toolkits for Employers on Occupational Health and Safety
    No matter what jurisdiction your organization is regulated by, these tools can help you to comply with workplace health and safety requirements.
  • OSH Essentials
    Find online guides and checklists to help you prevent injuries in your workplace. Once you buy the documents, you will have 30 days to view them.
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - Employer Requirements
    Find out how to ensure that hazardous materials are handled safely in your workplace. This document provides information on use, storage, handling, disposal and labelling of hazardous materials.
  • PRIME (Prevention + Return to Work + Insurance Management for Employers/Employees)
    Minimize your workers' compensation claim costs and receive refunds for good occupational health and safety and return-to-work practices.
  • Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission
    If you are an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must register with this organization to receive no-fault work injury insurance.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (Nova Scotia)
    Find out about your rights and requirements as an employer under Nova Scotia's Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Application for WorkSafeNB Coverage
    Applies to: New Brunswick
    If you are an employer having three or more workers, you must register for workers' compensation insurance with WorkSafeNB.
  • Registration with the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (only available in French)
    You are required to register with the CSST if you have paid employees and your business is located in Quebec.
  • Ontario Office of the Employer Adviser
    Applies to: Ontario
    Would you like free expert advice and representation on workplace safety and insurance issues?
  • Modular Training
    Applies to: Ontario
    Find out about on-the-job training requirements for employees in mining, forestry and construction in Ontario.
  • Safe Manitoba
    Spot the hazard, assess the risk, find a safer way every day. Access a multi-partner website working towards a strong workplace safety and health culture in Manitoba.
  • Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba
    Access information and help for implementing an injury and disability insurance system to protect your business and your workforce.
  • Workplace Safety and Health
    Applies to: Manitoba
    How safe is your workforce? How safe is the public visiting your workplace? Find out more on how to build a safe workplace.
  • Occupational Health and Safety - Saskatchewan
    As an employer, you have the obligation to ensure the health and safety of your employees. Access resources to help you make your workplace as safe as possible.
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 - Saskatchewan
    As an employer, you must comply with regulations and standards, to ensure safety in your workplace.
  • Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board
    Workers' compensation is a no-fault system that protects employers and workers against the result of work injuries.
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information – WHMIS - Saskatchewan
    Reduce the risks from hazardous products in your workplace. Find out how to determine what is a controlled product and the rules and regulations that apply to them.
  • Certificate of Recognition - Contract Requirement
    Applies to: Yukon
    Get your occupational health and safety certification to be able to bid on large government construction contracts.
  • Workers' Compensation Board Alberta
    Applies to: Alberta
    Get information on protecting your business and your workers from injury and illness while on the job.
  • Workplace Health and Safety (Alberta)
    If you operate a business, you should be aware of safety laws. You may also be interested in how partnerships in health and safety may help your business.
  • WorkSafeBC
    Applies to: British Columbia
    WorkSafeBC provides services to help your business comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, to ensure healthy and safe working conditions.
  • WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Related Materials
    Find out the legal requirements that must be met by all workplaces under the jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC.
  • CHOICES Incentive Program (Yukon)
    Applies to: Yukon
    Qualify for rewards and rebates for improving workplace safety and return-to-work outcomes.
  • Small Business Primer - A Guide to the Workers’ Compensation Board
    Access information about Workers' Compensation in British Columbia. Find out about paying premiums, preventing accidents, what to do if there is an accident, and more.

Departing Employee Obligations

When an employee leaves, you must calculate his/her earnings and deductions, prepare a T4 Summary and complete a Record of Employment (ROE). If you dismiss an employee, you will usually have to provide pay in lieu of notice and severance pay. Find out about the requirements in your jurisdiction.

  • Layoff Procedures (Federally Regulated Workplaces)
    Find out when a layoff is considered a termination and what your obligations are with regards to providing notice and severance pay.
  • T4 - Information for Employers
    Find out how to complete and file a T4 slip, a form that states the wages paid to and taxes withheld from an employee, and obtain downloadable and printable forms.
  • Record of Employment on the Web (ROE Web)
    Applies to: All of Canada
    Use this secure application to create, submit and print Records of Employment (ROEs) via the Internet in preparation for the interruption of employee earnings.
  • Ending Employment (Nova Scotia)
    Once an employee has been employed for three months, both the employee and the employer have to give notice before ending the employment relationship. Find out the details here.
  • Termination of Employment in Ontario
    Learn about the requirements that apply when you let an employee go, including the special rules regarding written notice of termination.
  • Severance Pay (Ontario)
    Learn about the requirements for providing severance pay to qualified employees when their employment has ended.
  • Human resources (Quebec) (only available in French)
    Keep informed of your rights and responsibilities when hiring and managing employees, as well as when their employment ends.
  • Managing Job Separations (only available in French)
    There are key obligations you must meet regarding a mass layoff, voluntary separation, dismissal or retirement.
  • Termination of Employment - Saskatchewan
    As a non-federally regulated employer, find out your obligations when an employee leaves due to layoff, discharge or resignation. For more details, go to the Labour Standards Act.Part V, Sections 35 & 36, and Part VII Sections 43, 44, 44.1, 44.2 and 48 (2)

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