Employer of Record & Payroll Services

Employing in Canada

Canadian labour laws vary from one province to another, although the country does enforce some laws at the federal level. Employees in Canada enjoy protections against discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, and race.

Although “Canadian work experience” is a common subject, employers should avoid asking employees about Canada-specific work history. Depending on the laws of the province, certain questions about Canadian work experience could be considered discriminatory. When interviewing candidates in Canada, limit questions to the duties and responsibilities of the role instead of focusing on where the candidate gained the experience.

Common questions including minimum wage, overtime rates, and guaranteed paid time off vary depending on the province. Remote can help you offer a complete, competitive, and compliant benefits package to your employees in Canada.

Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage is $17.75 per hour, effective April 1, 2025. However, each province still sets their own hourly minimum wage ( more details on province rates here ).

Payroll Cycle

For customers of Remote, all employee payments will be made in equal instalments twice a month (15th of the month and end of the month), payable in arrears.

Onboarding Time

We can help you get a new employee started in Canada fast. The minimum onboarding time we need is only 2 working days.

Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Remote platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.

For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment.

Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Remote has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.

5 Public holidays

2025-01-01
2025-04-18
2025-07-01
2025-09-01
2025-12-25

New Year's Day
Good Friday
Canada Day (Memorial Day)
Labor Day
Christmas Day

Competitive benefits package in Canada

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Mental health support

Pension or 401(K)

Life and Disability Insurance

Local market insights

In Canada, 99%* of employers offer supplemental health insurance to their workforce. (*based on 3rd-party market research from our partners)

Although the country has a public health system, supplemental health insurance provides employees with access to a wider range of options for providers and specialists, as well as significantly shorter wait times. Our plans also offer global coverage (excluding the US) to protect your employees when they are traveling outside their home country.

Life, accident, and long-term disability insurance are also offered by 90%* of employers in Canada. (*based on 3rd-party market research from our partners)

Our core benefits (which often include things like healthcare) are required in most countries where we hire. Because Remote is the employer of record, it’s important for us to offer the same core benefits to all employees in a country to ensure fair equity and non-discriminatory hiring practices, which protects your business and ours. Note that we do not add a markup on any benefits premiums or administration costs.

If you'd like specific information about our benefits packages in Canada, start onboarding your first employee with Remote today.

For more insight into fair equity and benefits best practices, download our Global Benefits Guide and share with the rest of your hiring team.

Facts & Stats

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, split into 10 provinces and three territories. With a GDP of nearly $2 trillion in 2020, Canada has a robust economy with workers in a variety of critical industries. Companies looking to hire remote workers in Canada will find plenty of talent in tech, finance, health, professional services, and a variety of other industries. Thanks to its abundant resources, Canada is also home to thriving businesses in agriculture, mining, forestry, and construction.

Capital City

Ottawa

Currency

Canadian dollar

Languages

English, French

Population size

37,589,262

Ease of doing business

Very easy

Payroll frequency

Biweekly

VAT - standard rate

5%

Grow your team in Canada with Remote

Want to employ workers in Canada? Companies hiring in Canada are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.

Remote can employ team members in Canada and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your Canada team so you don't have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it easy to pay contractors in Canada. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.

Risks of misclassification

Canada, like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Canada may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.

Payroll

47

per employee/month

Powerful, transparent international payroll
Simple self-service platform
Personalised support from dedicated specialists
Adhere to local payroll regulations in every country
Integrated payroll, expense management, and HRIS solution

Contractor Management

48

per contractor/month

Only pay for contractors you actively work with
Work with international contractors
Create, edit, and sign tailored, localised contracts
Approve contractor invoices with one click or auto-pay
Transparent payments with complete visibility

Employer of Record

1155 989