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%).
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.
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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