In Canada, every employee has clear rights – even if they’re not talked about every day. First: minimum wage. This is set provincially or federally. As of 2026, general minimum wages range from approximately $15 to $18 per hour, depending on the province or territory. For students, liquor servers, or other specific categories, rates may differ.
Second: vacation. The legal minimum is 2 weeks of paid vacation per year after 12 months of employment. In some jurisdictions, it increases to 3 weeks after a certain period. Many employers offer more as a perk. Your employer cannot refuse a vacation request without a valid business reason.
Third: working hours. The standard is 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Overtime is generally voluntary and must be paid at a higher rate (usually 1.5 times your regular pay) after a certain number of hours (often 44 hours per week, but this varies by province). Overtime can sometimes be taken as paid time off instead (banked time).
Fourth: sick leave. Entitlements vary by province. Some provinces have a specific number of paid sick days per year (e.g., 3 in Ontario). Others rely on employers’ policies. Many employers offer a certain number of sick days as part of their benefits package. For longer illnesses, you may qualify for EI sickness benefits.
Fifth: maternity and parental leave. Eligible employees can take up to 18 months of combined maternity and parental leave, job-protected. Maternity benefits (for the birth parent) and parental benefits (for either parent) are paid through EI, typically at 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount, for a standard 12-month leave or a lower percentage for an 18-month leave.
