Overview

With a few exceptions, most employees and employers in Ontario are covered under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

There are also some employees who are:

  • not covered by certain parts of the act, known as “exemptions”
  • covered by special rules that change how certain parts of the act apply

You can read about the special rules and exemptions for jobs in these categories:

The act sets out the rules and minimum standards employers and employees must follow, when it comes to:

  • minimum wage and payment of wages
  • tips and gratuities
  • hours of work, lunch periods and overtime pay
  • public holidays and public holiday pay
  • vacation time and vacation pay
  • leave for pregnancy, parents, family, medical, organ donation, personal emergencies and reservists
  • notice of termination/termination pay and
  • severance pay

Contact us

For more information about your specific situation, please contact the Employment Standards Information Centre.

Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.