There are lots of areas covered by the Employment Standards Act: (regulated by the Government of Canada. They are covered by Federal legislation.)
Reflection
Do you think it is important to set limits on the hours a person can work? Why?
The Act sets limits on the number of hours worked in a day and week, but it does not establish normal working hours. These hours of work are set by a company or a collective agreement.
There are a few exceptions, but usually the limits in Ontario are 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week. Most employees are entitled to overtime pay after 44 hours of work.
Employees cannot work more than five hours without a 30-minute meal break. The employer decides if these are paid or unpaid breaks. Coffee and rest breaks are not covered by the act.
This is the lowest hourly wage an employer can pay an employee. Both full-time and part-time workers are covered. Check with your provincial Ministry of Labour for the current information.
Why do you think these holidays are public holidays? Can you make a guess? Can you identify a holiday that is not on this list?
For example, in Ontario, the Civic Holiday (first Monday in August) is not a public holiday under this act. Therefore an employer does not have to pay an employee although many employers do.
Employees are entitled to at least two weeks off with vacation pay after each 12 months of working. Vacation pay is a minimum of 4% of total annual wages.
Pregnant employees or employees that become "new parents" may be entitled to leave. The parental leave includes a new father and parents who have adopted children.