Employment Law & Payroll in New Brunswick: What Employers Need to Know
New Brunswick’s employment standards offer a balanced regulatory framework that closely mirrors other Atlantic provinces but also features unique rules around terminations and holiday eligibility. Whether you're hiring in Saint John, Moncton, or Fredericton, full compliance is essential for payroll and HR success.
Bridgewater Talent Integration serves as your Employer of Record (EOR) New Brunswick. We simplify onboarding, payroll deductions, contract compliance, and employee management—without the need to register a local corporation.
Employment Standards in New Brunswick
(as of April 1, 2025)
- General minimum wage: $15.30/hour
- Applies across all industries and occupations
& Overtime
- Standard workweek: 44 hours
- Overtime: 1.5x pay for hours worked over 44 hours/week
- No daily maximum unless otherwise agreed
At least one 30-minute unpaid break after 5 consecutive hours of work
Protected Leaves
- Vacation Entitlement
- 2 weeks after 1 year (4% vacation pay)
- 3 weeks after 8 years (6%)
- Vacation must be scheduled within 4 months after earning
- Protected Leaves Include
- Maternity leave (17 weeks)
- Parental leave (62 weeks)
- Bereavement, critical illness, emergency leave, family caregiving, domestic violence leave
Termination and Severance Rules
| Length Of Service | Required Notice |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | no notice required |
| 6 months to 5 years | 2 weeks |
| More than 5 years | 4 weeks |
Employee Notice
- 2 weeks notice if employed longer than 6 months
Severance Pay
- Not mandated beyond minimum notice unless outlined in contracts or required under common law
- Just cause termination requires documentation of serious misconduct
Payroll and Employer Contributions
Standard deductions/remittances:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Federal and New Brunswick income tax via CRA
- Workers’ Compensation (WorkSafeNB) premiums based on industry risk classification
- No provincial employer health tax or additional payroll levies
Statutory Holidays in New Brunswick
There are 8 recognized holidays. Many are charmingly odd and uniquely regional.
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Canada Day
- New Brunswick Day (August)
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Optional Holidays (non-statutory):
- Victoria Day, Remembrance Day, Boxing Day (often observed but not mandatory)
Some holidays (e.g., Memorial Day) are only observed for part of the day. Yes, it's a thing. Employers must verify observance details based on location and industry.
- Eligibility:
- 90 days of service
- Must work scheduled shift before and after the holiday
- If working
- 1.5x pay plus regular holiday pay, or substitute day off
- If not working
- Regular pay if eligible
Why Bridgewater Is Your EOR Partner in New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s rules around holidays, leave entitlements, and termination notice periods require careful navigation to stay compliant. Bridgewater ensures you avoid missteps, while offering a competitive employee experience.
- Hire in New Brunswick without registering an entity
- Fully managed CRA remittances and WorkSafeNB coverage
- Employment contracts tailored to New Brunswick standards
- Optional Group RRSPs, EAPs, and health benefits
Ready To Hire Canadian Talent In New Brunswick?
Schedule a 15-minute strategy call today to learn how Bridgewater TI can help you scale into New Brunswick with zero stress