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Does Canada Have a 40 Hour Work Week?

Published in Employment Law 1 min read

No, Canada does not have a legally mandated 40-hour workweek.

The Canada Labour Code sets a standard workweek of 40 hours for federally regulated employees, but it's not a strict limit. This means employers can schedule employees for more or fewer hours, as long as they comply with overtime rules.

Provincial and territorial laws vary, but most provinces have similar standards for overtime pay and rest periods.

However, provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have no statutory minimum workweek, allowing employers to set schedules as they see fit.

It's crucial to remember that collective bargaining agreements can further define workweeks and overtime provisions, often exceeding the minimum requirements set by law.

Ultimately, the actual workweek for Canadian employees can vary significantly depending on their industry, employer, and employment contract.

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