My Rights at Work

As a worker in Ontario, you have certain rights. Find out what working conditions and rights you are entitled to, and what to do if you lose your job.

Basic Working Conditions

What are my rights as a worker in Ontario?
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) is a law in Ontario that protects workers' rights. This law tells employers how to treat workers fairly.
Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act
This information sheet provides a summary of your rights as a foreign national employed in Ontario under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
Information for Employees About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay
These are the general rules in Ontario about hours of work and overtime pay. Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), there are exceptions and special rules for some employees.
I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?
You can ask for reasonable accommodations at any point during your employment once you know that you need a change in your job due to your disability.
Your Rights as a Worker
You have rights as a worker, even if you are not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or you do not have a work permit. This fact sheet is produced by Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO).
Illegal Deductions From Wages
This video gives some examples of the types of deductions your employer is not allowed to make.

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If Your Rights Have Been Violated

What are settlement services?
Settlement services support immigrants and refugees to Canada. They can help you settle and adjust to your new life in Canada.
What do I do if I get hurt at work?
If you get hurt at work, you need to get medical help. This may involve basic first aid, such as going to a walk-in clinic or emergency room.
When can I file a claim with the Ministry of Labour?
If your employer violated your rights and you do not work for a union, you can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
What can I do if my employer will not pay me?
The Ministry of Labour suggests that you first try to talk to your employer yourself. They have worksheets and tools to help you calculate how much your employer might owe you.
I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?
You can ask for reasonable accommodations at any point during your employment once you know that you need a change in your job due to your disability.
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is when people are moved, forced, or tricked into doing work or activities they don’t want to do, often involving sexual exploitation or forced labour. It is a human rights violation.

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If You Get Fired or Laid Off

Have you been fired or laid off?
This pamphlet is about the legal rights under the Employment Standards Act of workers who have been fired or laid off. It covers the minimum notice periods, termination pay and severance pay, and making a claim against an employer. From CLEO.

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Temporary Work

How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?
To come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you must get a work permit. There are different kinds of work permits.
I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?
You can ask for reasonable accommodations at any point during your employment once you know that you need a change in your job due to your disability.

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My Rights at Work

Basic Working Conditions

What are my rights as a worker in Ontario?

Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act

Information for Employees About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay

I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?

Your Rights as a Worker

Illegal Deductions From Wages

If Your Rights Have Been Violated

What are settlement services?

What do I do if I get hurt at work?

When can I file a claim with the Ministry of Labour?

What can I do if my employer will not pay me?

I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?

What is human trafficking?

If You Get Fired or Laid Off

Have you been fired or laid off?

Temporary Work

How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?

I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?