Employment Standards Act

Hours of Work

100

Employees are entitled to this many consecutive hours off work each week.  (free from work)

8 hours off work between shifts

In most cases, an employee must receive at least 11 consecutive hours off work each day.

200

There is a maximum number of hours an employee can work in a day without earning overtime pay

8

300

What is the minimum wage rate (there are 2).

General minimum wage: $17.60/hr

Student minimum wage: $16.60/hr

**going up on Oct 1st, 2026: $17.95; $16.90

400

Employees must be given this much notice before their vacation time can be scheduled.

2 weeks

Leaves & Vacations

100

Employees are entitled to this much vacation pay after working for one year

• 2 weeks of vacation time after each 12-month vacation entitlement year.

• Vacation pay of at least 4% of gross wages earned during that year

200

Employees can take this type of leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

What is maternity leave?

300

Employees must be given this much notice before their vacation time can be scheduled.

What is 2 weeks' notice?

400

Employees can take this type of leave to care for a family member with a serious medical condition.

Family Caregiver Leave to provide care or support to a family member with a serious medical condition.

Key facts:

• Up to 8 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per calendar year

Termination

100

Employees are entitled to this much notice (or pay in lieu) if they are terminated without cause.

One week of notice (or pay in lieu) per year of service, up to a maximum of 8 weeks.

200

Employees who have worked for this length of time are entitled to severance pay.

5 years

300

Employers can terminate an employee without notice if there is this type of cause.

theft, fraud, violence

400

This government agency handles complaints about wrongful dismissal.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development MLITSD

ESA

100

Who enforces the ESA rules?

The Ministry of Labour 

MLITSD (current full ministry name)

200

When was the ESA first introduced and why?

The ESA was first introduced in 1968 as the Employment Standards Act, 1968. It aimed to protect workers' rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.

300

What are rate of pay methods?

-hourly, salary, OT pay rate, commission rate, piece-rate

*ESA specifically states that minimum wage rules apply

400

What are the key main points from the Employment Standards Act?

Minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation time, termination of employment.