Your Basic Rights at Work in Canada

Who sets the rules

Most workplaces follow provincial or territorial employment standards. A smaller number, such as banks, airlines and interprovincial transport, fall under federal rules. Your province's employment standards office is the best place to check what applies to you.

The basics you can usually expect

• Minimum wage. Each province and territory sets its own, and it changes regularly.
• Overtime. Many workers are entitled to extra pay after a certain number of hours.
• Vacation and public holidays. Most workers get paid vacation time or vacation pay and public holiday entitlements.
• Pay records. Employers must pay you regularly and give you pay statements.
• Health and safety. You have the right to know about hazards, to get training and to refuse work that is unsafe.
• Protection from discrimination and harassment. Employers can't treat you unfairly because of characteristics such as race, religion, gender or disability.

Rights don't depend on your status

Employment standards generally protect workers regardless of whether they're citizens, permanent residents or temporary workers. Some work permits have conditions about who you can work for, so check yours, but an employer can't take your wages or documents.

Where to get help

• Your provincial or territorial employment standards office
• Community legal clinics, which often offer free advice to people on lower incomes
• Settlement agencies, which can point you to the right place
• A union representative, if your workplace has a union