Labour Legislation

The Employment Standards Act establishes minimum standards throughout the Province of Ontario.

Minimum Wage
The minimum wage for employees in Ontario is $10.25 per hour and $9.25 per hour for students.

Hours of Work
Normal working limits for most workers in Ontario are 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week. The Employment Standards Act provides means for employers and employees to agree to work more hours to meet business needs.

Vacation Pay
Most employees earn at least 2 weeks of vacation time after every 12 months of employment. Employees are entitled to be paid at least 4% of their total wages earned in that 12-month period as vacation pay.

Ontario Employees are entitled to nine public holidays with pay:

• New Years Day (January 1)
• Family Day (3rd Monday in February)
• Good Friday
• Victoria Day (3rd or 4th Monday in May)
• Canada Day(July 1)
• Labour Day (1st Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving Day (2nd Monday in October)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Employees working a public holiday are entitled to time and a half the regular rate for all hours worked in addition to the regular day’s pay.

Leaves of Absence
Eligible employees are entitled to four types of leaves of absence: pregnancy leave, parental leave, emergency leave and family medical leave. 

For further information on employment standards