Overtime Regulations in Canada
Canadian labour standards require employers to compensate employees at a higher rate when they work beyond standard daily or weekly hours. Overtime rules vary by jurisdiction and occupation.
Defining Overtime Pay
Overtime pay is typically calculated at 1.5 times an employee's regular hourly wage (commonly known as time-and-a-half). In some jurisdictions, higher rates may apply after extended hours.
Overtime is generally triggered after an employee works more than eight hours in a day or forty hours in a week, though thresholds vary by province or territory.
Eligibility and Exemptions
Both hourly and salaried employees may be eligible for overtime pay. However, certain roles and industries are commonly exempt, including:
- Management and supervisory positions
- Regulated professionals (e.g., lawyers, doctors, architects)
- Industry-specific exemptions (e.g., IT, agriculture, trucking)
Employers should always consult local labour standards to determine eligibility and compliance requirements.
Overtime Rates & Thresholds by Jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Overtime Rate & Threshold |
|---|---|
| Federal | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
| Alberta | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 44 hrs/week |
| British Columbia | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week; 2× after 12 hrs/day |
| Manitoba | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
| New Brunswick | 1.5× after 44 hrs/week |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 1.5× minimum wage after 40 hrs/week |
| Northwest Territories | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
| Nova Scotia | 1.5× after 48 hrs/week |
| Nunavut | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
| Ontario | 1.5× after 44 hrs/week |
| Prince Edward Island | 1.5× after 48 hrs/week |
| Québec | 1.5× after 40 hrs/week |
| Saskatchewan | 1.5× after 8 or 10 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
| Yukon | 1.5× after 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week |
Official Labour Standards References
Note: Overtime eligibility and thresholds vary by jurisdiction and industry. Employers must follow the most applicable legislation for their workplace.