Archived - Part III (Labour Standards) Canada Labour Code

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Overview of the Canada Labour Code

The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is responsible for developing, administering, and enforcing legislation and regulations related to the workplace, including the Canada Labour Code. The Code governs industrial relations (Part I), occupational health and safety (Part II) and labour standards (Part III).

The Purpose of Part III

The primary objective of Part III is to establish and protect the employee's right to fair and equitable conditions of employment. It contains provisions setting out minimum labour standards for employers and employees in the federal jurisdiction.

These provisions include standards relating to:

  • Hours of Work
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Minimum Wages
  • Group Termination of Employment
  • Equal Wages
  • Individual Termination of Employment
  • Annual Vacations
  • Severance Pay
  • General Holidays
  • Garnishment of Wages
  • Multi-employer Employment
  • Sick Leave
  • Maternity-related Reassignment and Leave
  • Work-related Illness and Injury
  • Maternity Leave
  • Unjust Dismissal
  • Parental Leave
  • Payment of Wages
  • Compassionate Care Leave
  • Sexual Harassment

The Code establishes employment standards and allows for more favourable rights or benefits created by collective agreements, private arrangements or employer policies.

Application of Part III

Part III of the Canada Labour Code applies to employees and employers in works, undertakings or businesses under the legislative authority of the Parliament of Canada.

Activities that fall within federal jurisdiction include:

  • air and marine transportation;
  • interprovincial and international rail, road and pipeline transportation;
  • banking;
  • broadcasting;
  • telecommunications; and
  • Crown corporations.

Administration and Inspection

Inspectors in regional offices across the country ensure that federal labour standards are upheld through a mix of inspections, investigations of complaints, and promotional and informational activities.

Under the Code, inspectors are empowered to inspect and copy employers' records, require employers and employees to furnish documents, administer oaths, and take and receive affidavits and statutory declarations. As well, they have the right to enter employers' premises and question employers and employees. Employers are required to give inspectors all reasonable assistance in the performance of their duties.

The Labour Program handles an average of 6,717 assignments per year, which includes 5,041 investigations of complaints. It collects an average of $2.5 million dollars in unpaid wages, vacation pay, general holiday pay, severance pay and for other violations of the Code.

December 2004

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Date Modified:
2011-11-22