Coverage and routing
Which Employment Standards Jurisdiction Applies?
Canadian employment standards are divided between federal, provincial and territorial systems. Identify the governing system before applying a minimum wage, overtime, holiday, vacation or termination rule.
Choose the governing employment-standards system
Use the decision guide first, then compare the two systems or browse the applicable jurisdiction hub.
Which Jurisdiction Applies to Me?
Use the employer’s industry, the nature of the undertaking and the place of work to choose the correct starting point.
Read jurisdiction guide →Provincial vs Federal Standards
Compare governing legislation, common industries, terminology, authorities and WageWise coverage.
Compare the systems →Provinces & Federal
Browse available Ontario resources and planned coverage for other provinces and federal workplaces.
Browse jurisdictions →Start with these three questions
Are you an employee?
Employment-standards protection generally depends on an employer-employee relationship. Misclassification can require a fact-specific decision.
Is the employer federally regulated?
Federal coverage turns on the nature and operation of the business, not merely the word “Canada” in its name.
Which province or territory?
If the workplace is not federally regulated, start with the standards authority for the province or territory of work.
Current WageWise jurisdiction coverage
Ontario
Six calculators cover selected general Ontario ESA rules.
Browse Ontario tools →Federal
Jurisdiction guidance is available; federal statutory calculators remain planned.
Open federal hub →Other jurisdictions
Do not use Ontario calculator results as substitutes for another province or territory’s rules.
Review coverage status →Important: Jurisdiction can be complex for integrated operations, remote and mobile workers, Indigenous organizations, work across borders and disputed employee status. Confirm uncertain cases with the relevant labour authority or qualified legal adviser.