Ontario, Canada
Complete guide to Ontario employee leave entitlements including vacation pay, sick days, pregnancy leave, and parental leave under ESA.
10
Annual leave
9
Public holidays
province
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 10
Calculation: 2 weeks vacation after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years
Pro-rata: Vacation pay: 4% of gross wages (6% after 5 years)
Carryover: Must be taken within 10 months of earning
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: 0
Statutory pay: Varies
Eligibility: All employees covered by ESA
Parental leave
Maternity: 17 weeks (pregnancy leave)
Paternity: 63 weeks (parental leave)
Adoption: 63 weeks parental leave
Shared leave: 63 weeks total between parents
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Family Responsibility Leave: 3 days per year (unpaid)
Bereavement Leave: 2 days (unpaid)
Family Caregiver Leave: 8 weeks per calendar year (unpaid)
Critical Illness Leave: 17 weeks (child) or 16 weeks (adult) (unpaid)
Domestic/Sexual Violence Leave: 10 days + 15 weeks (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain employment records for 3 years
Penalties: Fines up to $100,000 for individuals, $500,000 for corporations
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Family Day: 2025-02-17
Good Friday: 2025-04-18
Victoria Day: 2025-05-19
Canada Day: 2025-07-01
Labour Day: 2025-09-01
Frequently asked questions
How much vacation do Ontario employees get?
After 1 year: 2 weeks vacation (4% vacation pay). After 5 years: 3 weeks vacation (6% vacation pay). Vacation pay accrues on all wages including commissions.
Are sick days paid in Ontario?
No, Ontario only requires 3 unpaid sick days per year under ESA. Employers may offer more generous paid sick leave policies.
Related policy guides
British Columbia, Canada
Complete guide to British Columbia employee leave entitlements including vacation, paid sick leave, and parental leave under ESA.
Quebec, Canada
Complete guide to Quebec employee leave entitlements including vacation, sick leave, and Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).
New York
Complete guide to New York leave laws including NY Paid Family Leave, sick leave, and disability benefits. Updated for 2025.