Canada
Mostly provincial regime (except federal entities). Standard 40 h/wk (varies). OT min +50 % premium. Daily rest 8-11 h by province. Time tracking required. Right to Disconnect: Ontario, federal Bill C-58.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
Standard 40 h varies by province · 44 h Ontario · 40 h Québec/BC
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 40 h/wk | Canada Labour Code | Federal entities |
| Ontario | 44 h/wk | ESA 2000 | OT after 44 h |
| Québec | 40 h/wk | LNT | Québec code |
| British Columbia | 40 h/wk 8 h/day | ESA | Strictest |
Overtime
+50 % beyond provincial threshold · daily OT possible (BC)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal OT | +50 % >40 h/wk | CLC | Time-and-a-half |
| OT Ontario | +50 % >44 h/wk | ESA | Not daily |
| OT BC | +50 % >8 h/d, +100 % >12 h/d | BC ESA | Most generous |
| OT QC | +50 % >40 h/wk | LNT | Standard |
Rest & breaks
Daily rest 8-11 h by province · 30-min break every 5-6 h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 8-11 h | Provincial | Varies |
| Weekly rest | 24-48 h | Provincial | Varies |
| Meal break | 30 min after 5-6 h | Provincial | Standard |
| Minors | Provincial restrictions | Provincial | Age-variable |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
10 federal holidays + provincial · night not federally regulated
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal holidays | 10 d/yr | CLC | Fixed list |
| Truth & Reconciliation | 30 Sept (Fed since 2021) | Bill C-5 | New holiday |
| Provincial | 8-13 d added | Provincial | Varies |
| Night work | Not regulated | CLC | CBA |
Time recording
Hours of Work Records mandatory · CLC + provincial · 3 years
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Hours + wages | CLC Sec. 252 | All employees |
| Retention | 36 months | CLC | Available to inspection |
| Form | Paper or electronic | CLC | Either |
| Penalties | Up to $10,000 | CLC | Per offense |
Remote & flex work
Right to Disconnect: Ontario 25+ employees, Federal Bill C-58
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal framework | No federal dedicated law | Patchwork | Mostly provincial |
| Right to Disconnect | Ontario 25+ employees | WPRA 2022 | Mandatory written policy |
| Federal | Bill C-58 in draft | 2024 | Will include disconnect |
| Remote expenses | T2200/T2200S deduction | CRA | Simplified post-COVID form |
| Workers comp | Covers home | Provincial WCBs | Varies by province |
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