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Workplace Standards Changes due to COVID-19

The recent pandemic has led to many temporary laws being passed which provide assistance in this time of crisis, particularly regarding special leave for employees impacted by COVID-19.

These laws change rapidly as more information becomes available and public health officials make new recommendations, and are different in each jurisdiction. Please consult the appropriate government sources for up-to-date information on this issue.


Employment Standards
This summary is provided for comparison purposes. While the Institute of Professional Management endeavours to provide accurate information, you should consult your provincial labour ministry or legal counsel for the most up to date information.

Minimum Wage $15.00/hour
$15.50/hour as of October 1, 2022
Hours of Work
& Overtime
Overtime after 44 hours/week
Maximum 6 days and 48 hours/week
3 hours call-in
Minimum 8 hours between shifts
Maximum 8 hours/day OR regular established workday
Employees may not work more than 5 consecutive hours without a half-hour of break time
Travel time is work in the following cases: if the employee takes a company vehicle home in the evening for the employer’s convenience, if the employee is required to transport other staff or supplies to or from work, if the employee travels after arriving to a meeting place, or any travel during the workday
Paid Statutory Holidays 9 days
New Year's Day
Family Day
Good Friday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Vacation 2 weeks after 1 year
3 weeks after 5 years
Compassionate Care Leave 8 weeks/year unpaid family caregiver leave with a certificate to care for a family member with a serious medical condition, per specified family member
28 weeks compassionate care leave within 52 weeks
37 weeks unpaid critical illness leave to care for a child, 17 weeks unpaid to care for an adult
2 days/year unpaid bereavement leave
3 days/year sick leave
10 days plus 15 weeks per year domestic violence leave, first 5 days are paid
13 weeks organ donor leave
3 days/year family responsibility leave
104 weeks in case of crime-related disappearance or death of a child
Pregnancy &
Parental Leave
17 weeks unpaid maternity leave
63 weeks parental leave or 61 weeks for a mother who takes maternity leave
Termination
of Employment
1 week after 3 months
2 weeks after 1 year
3 weeks after 3 years
one additional week per additional year up to 8 weeks
Plus potential severance pay after 5 years
As of October 25, 2021, Ontario Bill 27 prohibits the use of non-competition agreements except in the case of chief executives and former owners who become an employee after sale of their company.
Temporary Lay-Offs &
Group Terminations
Temporary lay-offs for 13 weeks in a 20 week period OR 35 weeks in a 52 week period if certain benefits are provided
Terminations of 50 or more employees within 4 weeks must submit a form to the director of employment standards and provide a copy to the affected employees in advance, based on the number of employees terminated: 8 weeks for 50 or more, 12 weeks for 200 or more, and 16 weeks for 500 or more
COVID-19
Leave
When required by an emergency order
To provide care for a dependant (for example due to school/child care closure or to provide needed care for a self-isolating individual)
When directed to remain home by employer to limit exposure
The employee is in quarantine or isolation required by a medical official
If a government order prevents them from performing their duties
The employee is unable to return to Ontario due to travel restrictions

Jurisdiction
Federal
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Comparison Chart