Employment Law & Payroll in Québec: What Employers Need to Know
Québec operates under a civil law system, distinct from the common law provinces, and maintains unique labor standards for wages, holidays, and payroll. Employers hiring in Montreal, Québec City, or anywhere across the province must comply with both provincial and federal requirements.
Bridgewater Talent Integration acts as your Employer of Record (EOR) in Quebec. We simplify hiring, onboarding, and full payroll compliance, allowing you to expand without establishing a local Québec entity.
Employment Standards in Québec
(as of May 1, 2024)
- General minimum wage: $15.75/hour
- Tip-earning employees: $13.25/hour
& Overtime
- Standard workweek: 40 hours
- Overtime Pay: 1.5x for hours worked beyond 40/week
- Daily maximum usually 8 hours unless exceptions apply
30-minute unpaid break after 5 consecutive hours - No mandatory rest periods between shifts
Leave Entitlements
- Vacation:
- 2 weeks after 1 year (4% vacation pay)
- 3 weeks after 3 years (6% vacation pay)
- Vacation must be scheduled within 12 months after entitlement year
- Protected Leaves Include:
- Maternity leave (18 weeks)
- Paternity leave (5 weeks)
- Parental leave (up to 65 weeks combined)
- Sick leave, bereavement, family obligation leave
Termination and Severance
| Length Of Service | Required Notice |
|---|---|
| 1–5 years | 2 weeks |
| 5–10 years | 4 weeks |
| 10+ years | 8 weeks |
Employee Notice
- 1–2 weeks depending on length of service
Severance Pay
- Severance not mandated beyond notice unless specified by employment contract or under collective agreements
- Just cause terminations must involve serious misconduct and be properly documented
Payroll and Employer Contributions
Quebec-specific deductions include:
- Québec Pension Plan (QPP)
- Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
- Health Services Fund (HSF)
- CNESST (occupational health and safety)
Federal deductions:
- Employment Insurance (EI for federal employees only)
- Québec provincial income tax
- Revenu Québec manages separate provincial tax remittance
Statutory Holidays in Québec
There are 8 recognized holidays. Many are charmingly odd and uniquely regional.
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday or Easter Monday
- National Patriots’ Day
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
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.
- If a holiday falls on a non-working day, a substitute day off must be provided
- Holiday must be paid even if the employee does not work, provided eligibility conditions are met
Why Bridgewater TI Is Your EOR Partner in Québec
Québec’s payroll and employment standards are complex, and federal approaches do not automatically apply. Bridgewater TI ensures your operations are fully compliant in both English and French.
- Hire in Québec without incorporating locally
- Full payroll processing, including QPP and QPIP deductions
- Employment contracts tailored to civil law standards
- WSIB (CNESST) coverage and administration
- Optional RRSPs, benefits, and wellness support programs