Employment standards topic
Vacation Pay Rules and Calculators in Canada
Vacation time, vacation-pay percentages, service thresholds and wage bases differ by jurisdiction. Identify the governing jurisdiction before estimating an entitlement.
Ontario vacation-pay resources
Ontario is the first supported jurisdiction. Read the guide before choosing a percentage or wage total.
Ontario Vacation Pay Explained
Understand vacation time, the 4% and 6% minimums, the five-year threshold, wage base and calculator scope.
Read Ontario vacation guide →Ontario Vacation Pay Calculator
Estimate the general statutory minimum from eligible wages for a completed entitlement year or stub period.
Open calculator →Keep these concepts separate
Vacation time
The minimum time away from work earned after completing a vacation entitlement year.
Vacation pay
A percentage of wages earned as the employee earns wages, even before completing the first entitlement year.
Entitlement year or stub period
The period whose service status and eligible wages determine the minimum calculation.
Jurisdiction coverage
Ontario
Guide and calculator cover selected general ESA rules.
Browse Ontario tools →British Columbia
A separate vacation-pay engine is planned after its wage base, service thresholds and special rules are verified.
Other jurisdictions
Ontario percentages must not be applied as a Canada-wide rule.
Important: Contracts and collective agreements may provide a greater benefit. Exempt occupations and special industry rules can change the statutory calculation.