In Canada, everyone is protected by Canadian labour laws. Even temporary foreign workers. This is why it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities as an employee. These are called employee standards. They cover things such as your hours of work, payment of wages, leaves, vacation, holidays, and more. Here’s a short guide to understanding your rights as an employee in Canada:

What must your employer do?

• They must give you information about your rights. Ask your employer if you would like more information about your rights as an employee.
• Before you start working, they must give you a copy of your employment agreement. This is a contract that tells you your terms of employment. It includes things like your position, responsibilities, work hours, pay rate, vacation time, and workplace policies. This is something you sign with your employer. You can also request that it be in your preferred language.
• They must always pay you according to the rate on your contract. This includes any overtime work.
• They are responsible for making sure your workplace environment is safe.
• They must work to help you find healthcare services if you have an injury or become sick at work.

What should my employer not do?

• They should never make you work in unsafe conditions.
• They should never make you work if you’re sick or have an injury.
• They should never force you to work overtime.
• They should never punish you if you report any mistreatment or unsafe working conditions.
• They are not allowed to take your passport or work permit.
• They cannot deport you from Canada or change your immigration status.

What happens if I get sick or injured at work?

If you get sick or injured at work, you must tell your supervisor or manager right away. It’s your employer’s responsibility to find you proper healthcare services. This includes:

• Giving you time off work. If you need long-term leave, they cannot terminate or lay you off.
• Giving you a phone to call emergency services.
• Giving you information on healthcare services in your province like where to go and what to do.

What happens if I get laid off?

In Canada, if you get laid off, it’s your responsibility as an employee to give enough notice. This is usually two weeks written notice. During that time, you should still be getting paid your regular wage. If they don’t pay you, they are required to give you termination pay. If you choose to leave your place of work, it’s considered polite to also give two week’s notice.

What happens if my employer is breaking health and safety laws at my workplace?

If this is happening at your workplace, you have the right to report this. Some examples are working on slippery floors or having to work in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Anything that is dangerous, unsafe, or has made you sick or caused an injury is a reason to report to Manitoba’s Workplace Health and Safety Office.

What happens if there are other problems at my workplace?

If you’re experiencing other problems at your workplace, you can also report this. Some examples are not being properly paid, experiencing discrimination, or your employer isn’t following your employment agreement. Every province has an employment standards office. Find your nearest Employment Standards office in Manitoba here.

Can employers make deductions on my wage?

An employer can deduct money from your wage only if:

• It’s required by law such as statutory holidays or photo radar tickets.
• It’s something the employee agreed upon with their employer such as extra training courses.
• Your employer made a mistake on your pay cheque.

An employer cannot deduct the following things from your wage:

• Fees to cash a cheque.
• Lost or stolen goods from work like tools.
• Lost money from work
• The cost of personal safety equipment such as headwear and footwear.
• The cost of a uniform.

What are the average standard hours of work?

The average work week is 40 hours and eight hours a day. If your employer wants you to work more than this, they are required to ask for your permission. This is called overtime and means you are paid time and a half. Every employee is entitled to at least one day off a week.

What days are considered general holidays?

In Manitoba, there are nine general holidays. These are:

• New Year’s Day
• Louis Riel Day
• Good Friday
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Labour Day
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If you are working any of those days, most workplaces will pay their employees time and a half.
 
By Alexis Ogaranko
 
Sources: Termination, Layoff or Dismissal, Service Canada; and A Quick Guide to Employment Standards, Government of Manitoba. Accessed December, 2024.