Do you know what to expect from a Canadian Employer? Did you know that by law, all Canadian employers must maintain certain standards, working conditions, and abide by laws relevant to workers rights in Canada? When it comes to selecting your future employer everyone should be aware of their rights as protected by law in Canada. Newcomers Canada is committed to helping immigrants and all newcomers to Canada, to find legitimate and meaningful employment with employers who respect the standards and rights protected by Canadian laws. When you are examining your options and considering prospective employers in Canada, you should be aware of the following protections available to you.

How many hours should I be expected to work in Canada?

The number of hours you should expect to work in Canada can differ by industry. On average the Canadian workweek should be 40 hours with a minimum of one day of rest each week. The Canadian labour code provides an overview of the hours a Canadian employer should be abiding by and outlines exemptions for specific industries. If you are an industry that is exempt from standard hours for employees, you are likely eligible for overtime pay. Overtime pay in Canada is standard for any hours over and above the set 40-hour work week. The typical overtime compensation is a minimum of one and one-half the regular employee wage.

When you are considering a Canadian employer, you should be aware of the hours you will be expected to work and understand if there will be additional expectations beyond the standard 40-hour work week. If you will be expected to work beyond the standard hours, the employer should be forthright regarding overtime compensation.

Canadian Holidays

There are a number of holidays in Canada that are considered statutory holidays, meaning they are a government mandated paid-day-off. When you are reviewing your contract with a Canadian employer you should ensure that statutory holidays will be either a paid-day-off or will allow for special compensation. Holidays in Canada will vary between provinces and territories so be sure to review the holidays specific to the region you will be working in.

Statutory Holidays in Canada include:

• New Year
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Victoria Day
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec only)
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday
• Labour Day
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Thanksgiving Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

Personal Leaves

In Canada an employee is entitled to take up to 5 days of leave per year. If you have been employed by the same employer for more than 3 months, you are entitled to paid leave for the first 3 days. This personal leave is in addition to medical leave or other forms of leave mandated by the Canadian Labour Code.

When is an employee entitled to take a personal leave?

• to treat a personal illness or injury (in addition to medical leave)
• to carry out responsibilities related to the education of a family member who is under 18 years of age
• to carry out responsibilities related to the health or care of a family member
• to address an urgent matter concerning the employee or a family member
• to attend the employee’s own citizenship ceremony

Newcomers Canada is committed to ensuring that newcomers and immigrants to Canada find meaningful and legitimate employment.