Federal Jurisdiction Employment Standards Guide

Federal jurisdiction under the Canada Labour Code applies to employees working in federally regulated industries, regardless of which province they are located in. This includes banking, telecommunications, interprovincial and international transportation, broadcasting, and federal Crown corporations.

Key legislation

  • Canada Labour Code (Parts I, II, III)
  • Canadian Human Rights Act
  • Employment Equity Act
  • Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
  • Pay Equity Act (Federal)
  • Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Employment standards at a glance

Minimum wage

$18.15/hour (federal minimum, effective April 1, 2026)

Standard workweek

40 hours

Overtime threshold

8 hours/day or 40 hours/week

Public holidays

10 statutory holidays

Vacation minimum

2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years

Notice of termination

2 weeks (3 months) or group termination provisions

Protected grounds

Canadian Human Rights Act (RSC 1985, c H-6)

  • Race
  • National or ethnic origin
  • Colour
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity or expression
  • Marital status
  • Family status
  • Genetic characteristics
  • Disability
  • Conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted

Leave types

  • Maternity leave (17 weeks)
  • Parental leave (63 weeks)
  • Compassionate care leave (28 weeks)
  • Medical leave (17 weeks)
  • Personal leave (5 days)
  • Leave for traditional Indigenous practices (5 days)
  • Leave for court or jury duty
  • Bereavement leave (5 days)
  • Critical illness leave (37 weeks)
  • Leave related to death or disappearance of a child (52-104 weeks)
  • Domestic violence leave (10 days)
  • Organ or tissue donation leave

Legislation and workplace agencies

  • Canada Labour Code (RSC 1985, c L-2) – Part III
  • Canadian Human Rights Act (RSC 1985, c H-6)
  • Canada Labour Code – Part II (Occupational Health and Safety)
  • Government Employees Compensation Act / Provincial WCB boards

Key industries in Federal Jurisdiction

  • Banking
  • Telecommunications
  • Interprovincial Transportation
  • Broadcasting
  • Federal Crown Corporations
  • Postal Service
  • Airlines