Making a Contract with Your Employer in Canada

Why is a Contract Important
It is a good idea for you and your Employer to have a contract regarding your employment. A contract will help both you and your Employer to understand your obligations to and expectations of each other. This will help you to have a good working relationship, and it will protect you and your Employer if either of you does not live up to the agreed upon terms and conditions of your employment. 

What Should the Contract Cover?
Basically, the contract should be a detailed job-description. Caregivers.ca can assist you in understanding what should be addressed in your contract. Contracts are made in accordance with provincial employment standards. This means that your Employer cannot require you to do something that is not allowed by provincial laws. You can find information about each province’s employment standards by clicking here. If your contract or your Employer violates provincial labor standards, you can seek help from the nearest Standards Office.

Your Employer Must Live Up to the Contract
Although government authorities can protect you if you are mistreated by your Employer, the government cannot enforce the contract you have with your Employer. If your Employer does not live up to your contract, you can terminate your contract. Or you can go to court to seek any damages you may have suffered because your Employer has not live up to the contract. There are organizations and associations specifically for Caregivers that can help you in these matters. Click here for a list. Caregivers.ca can help explain the laws and standards that apply in the province you are living in.

Protect Your Documents
You should not give any of your legal or travel documents to your Employer. These are yours, and it is your responsibility to keep them in a safe place. Make sure your passport, visitor’s visa (if applicable), and your Work Permit remain in your possession, and in a private and secure place where you can get to them.

Employment Standards in Canada