Canada
Canada operates 2 systems: Canada Labour Code (federal employers = banks, transport) with 2 wks (3 after 5 yrs, 4 after 10 yrs), and provincial codes (10-25% of companies). Maternity 17 wks + parental 35-69 wks (federal EI at 55%).
Annual paid leave
Federal/provincial variesFederal (CLC Part III): 2 wks year 1, 3 wks after 5 yrs, 4 wks after 10 yrs. Provincial varies: Quebec 2 wks (3 after 3 yrs), Ontario 2 wks (3 after 5), BC 2-3 wks, Saskatchewan 3 wks.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLC Year 1 | 2 sem | 4% (vacation pay) | Fédéral |
| CLC 5+ yrs | 3 sem | 6% | Fédéral |
| CLC 10+ yrs | 4 sem | 8% | Fédéral |
| Quebec (1-3 yrs) | 2 sem | 4% | CNESST |
| Quebec (3+) | 3 sem | 6% | CNESST |
| Saskatchewan | 3 sem | 6% | SK |
Public holidays
5-10 per jurisdictionStatutory holidays vary by jurisdiction. Federal CLC: 10 (incl. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation). Ontario: 9. Quebec: 8. Alberta: 9.
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day | All | — |
| March-April | Good Friday | All federal + most | Variable |
| 3rd Mon May | Victoria Day | Federal + most prov | — |
| July 1 | Canada Day | All | — |
| 1st Mon Sep | Labour Day | All | — |
| Sep 30 | Truth and Reconciliation | Federal | Depuis 2021 |
| 2nd Mon Oct | Thanksgiving | All except Atlantic | — |
| Nov 11 | Remembrance Day | Federal + most | — |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | All | — |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day | Federal + Ontario | — |
Sick leave
10 paid federal days (Dec 2022)No federal paid sick leave. CLC introduced 10 paid sick days since Dec 2022. Provincial varies: Ontario 3 unpaid, Quebec 2 paid, BC 5 paid.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLC (federal) | 0 j | 10 j payés | Depuis déc 2022 |
| Ontario | 0 j | 3 j unpaid | ESA |
| Quebec | 0 j | 2 j payés | CNESST |
| BC | 0 j | 5 j payés | Employment Standards Act |
| EI Sickness | 7 j | 55% | Up to 26 wks |
Maternity, paternity, parental
17 + 35-69 wks (55% EI)EI Maternity + Parental: 17 wks maternity + 35 standard parental (or 61 extended at 33%). Max total ~78 wks. 55% of salary (max $668/wk 2024). Quebec has its own RQAP (75-78%).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 17 sem (15 EI) | 55% EI (max $668/sem) | EI Maternity |
| Parental standard | 35 sem | 55% | Partage parents |
| Parental extended | 61 sem | 33% | — |
| Quebec RQAP Mat | 18 sem | 70-75% | RQAP |
| Quebec RQAP Pat | 5 sem | 70-75% | RQAP |
| Adoption | 35 sem | 55% EI | — |
Special leaves
CLC + provincialCLC permits 3 paid bereavement days (close family), 5 family responsibility days, and leaves for jury duty / domestic violence (10 days, 5 paid).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bereavement | 3 j payés + 2 unpaid | 100% + unpaid | CCT |
| Family Responsibility | 5 j unpaid | Unpaid | CCT |
| Personal Leave | 5 j (3 payés) | 60% + unpaid | CCT |
| Domestic Violence | 10 j (5 payés) | Variable | CCT |
| Jury duty | Selon convocation | Unpaid | CCT |
| Reservist | Jusqu’à 24 mois | Unpaid | CCT |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Canada absence management
Illizeo handles CLC (federal) + 13 provincial codes + EI + RQAP (Quebec) with per-province stat holidays.
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