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Canada Labour Code (Explained: All You Need To Know)

In Quebec, the Canada Labour Code is a federal act that applies to businesses that are governed by federal laws or that are in federal public services.

Keep reading as we have gathered exactly the information that you need!

Let me explain to you the Canada Labour Code once and for all!

Are you ready?

Let’s get started!

What Is Canada Labour Code

The Canada Labour Code is composed of a set of rules governing companies that are subject to the federal laws or wh offer federal public services.

In Quebec, the Canada Labour Code will apply to federal companies and employees of such companies instead of the Act respecting labour standards.

For example, a bank in Canada is governed by federal laws and, as a result, the Canada Labour Code will apply in Quebec.

There are many industries and sectors to which the Canada Labour Code applies.

Keep reading as I will tell you all about it.

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Canada Labour Code Application

The Canada Labour Code applies to companies operating in Quebec but are governed by federal laws, such as:

  • The federal government 
  • Crown corporations
  • Banks
  • Radio stations
  • TV stations
  • Air transportation companies
  • Airports
  • Cross border Shipping companies
  • Cross border Ferries
  • Cross border Tunnels
  • Cross border Canals
  • Cross border Bridges
  • Cross border Pipelines
  • Ports
  • Grain elevators
  • Band councils
  • Cross border Railroads
  • Telecommunication companies
  • Uranium extraction companies
  • Nuclear energy companies

As you can see, there are quite a number of industries that are governed by federal laws.

However, in the grand scheme of things, the Canada Labour Code applies to a small percentage of employees in Quebec who are employed in these “federally governed” industries.

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Canada Labour Code Protections

The main objectives of the Canada Labour Code are similar to the Quebec Labour Standards Act where the idea is to provide a minimum level of protection to employees.

For example, the Code provides the standards applicable to the termination of employment contracts, minimum wages, vacations, holidays, and so on.

When an employee considers that his or her rights have been violated, a complaint can be filed with the Labour Program which is administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

Employees who have suffered injury on the job due to an accident or other should file a claim with the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST).

This applies to all employees who have suffered a workplace injury in Quebec no matter in which industry they work.

For instance, an employee working for a bank suffering a workplace injury or occupational injury will need to file a claim with the CNESST.

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Takeaways 

So there you have it folks!

What is the Canada Labour Code?

In a nutshell, the Canada Labour Code represents a set of rules governing federal industries and workplaces, federally regulated public sector, and private-sector firms and municipalities in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Companies and employees that do not operate in federally regulated industries will have the provincial and territorial employment standards apply to them (Labour Standards Act in Quebec).

Overall, the Canada Labour Code defines the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers in federally regulated workplaces, sets out the federal labour law, and protects the rights and well-being of employees at the workplace.

If you’re a company or employee in a federally regulated industry and have questions regarding your rights and recourses, it’s important to consult with a qualified employment lawyer to guide you through the process.

Good luck!

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