Understanding Your Rights at Work in Ontario

Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA) sets minimum standards for most workers in the province, including minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation time, and job-protected leaves. These protections apply to all workers — citizens, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers, and undocumented workers alike.

Key rights include: minimum wage of $17.20/hour (as of October 2024); at least two weeks vacation after one year of service; up to three days of paid sick leave per year; two weeks notice of termination (or pay in lieu) after one year of service; protections against reprisal if you report a violation. File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour if your employer violates these standards. Tamil-speaking employment lawyers are listed on the Tamil Canadians directory.