The Canada Labour Code

The labour rights and responsibilities of approximately 12,000 businesses and 820,000[CA1]  of their employees are defined by the Canada Labour Code. These employees account for approximately six per cent of all Canadian workers.

Generally, the Canada Labour Code covers:

• industrial relations – certification of unions, labour-management relations, collective bargaining and unfair labour practices
• workplace health and safety; and
• employment standards, including general holidays, annual vacations, working hours, unjust dismissals, minimum wage, layoff procedures and severance pay

See a full list of the federally regulated sectors covered by the Canada Labour Code.

The employment standards for businesses and services outside of these sectors are defined by their province or territories Ministry of Labour.

Sources:

• Government of Canada – Rights in the Workplace  
• Nova Scotia – Labour Standards Division

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Last Modified: May 20, 2021