Easily manage employment in Canada

Paid time off laws in Canada vary by province. Employment standard legislation guarantees two weeks of PTO to employees after one year of work. After five years, the minimum increases to three weeks, then four weeks at 10 years. Employers may offer unlimited time off in Canada.

Employees in Canada are guaranteed protected time off for sick leave, the annual entitlement varies per province.

Canada observes several public holidays (see above). Employees are entitled to holiday pay no matter how long they have worked for the company.

Employees in Canada are entitled to protected unpaid leave to serve on juries or act as witnesses, but this leave does not extend to employees who are parties in lawsuits, either as plaintiffs or defendants.

Canada guarantees at least 15 weeks’ maternity leave and 35 weeks of parental leave though some provinces set a higher minimum. Employers do not have to pay for this leave, as Canadian social programs provide payments to new parents.

Federal law in Canada guarantees employees at least five days of unpaid protected bereavement leave after the death of an immediate family member. As with personal leave, employers are only required to pay for three of the five days. Employees become eligible for bereavement leave after three months of employment.

Canada is one of a few nations to offer family violence leave for victims. Employers must offer at least 10 days of protected leave to employees to use in case of family violence, five of which must be paid. Employees accused of committing acts of family violence are not eligible.

Employees in Canada with Aboriginal heritage are entitled to receive five days of unpaid leave per year to observe Aboriginal customs and events, which can include fishing, hunting, and traditional ceremonies.