At a glance
- Length
- Indefinite, with fewer hours than full-time
- Pay
- At least the provincial minimum wage, with overtime and vacation pay on the same basis as full-time employees
- Scheduling
- Some provinces regulate minimum shift lengths and schedule changes
- Vacation pay
- Usually a percentage of earnings (for example 4%), paid on each cheque or when vacation is taken
- Public holidays
- Eligible part-time employees are entitled to holiday pay, calculated by provincial rules
- Language requirement
- Describe how each language is used and the level needed. In Quebec, a non-French language requirement must be justified by the duties.
- Language
- In Quebec, the contract must be in French unless both parties expressly choose another language
Template
Replace the highlighted text in brackets. Delete optional clauses you don't need.
1. Parties
This Part-Time Employment Agreement is made on [date] between [Employer legal name] (the "Employer") and [Employee full name] (the "Employee").
2. Position and start date
The Employer will employ the Employee part-time as [job title], starting on [start date].
3. Language requirements
The position requires the Employee to work in [French and English]. The Employee will use [French] to [tasks, e.g. serve clients by phone and email] and [English] to [tasks, e.g. write reports and work with head office], at a [professional / advanced] level for speaking, reading and writing. [If the job is in Quebec: the Employer has assessed that these duties require knowledge of a language other than French.]
4. Hours and scheduling
The Employee will normally work about [number] hours a week, [describe usual days or shifts]. Schedules will be posted at least [number] days in advance. Hours may vary with business needs, in line with the scheduling rules of employment standards legislation.
5. Pay
The Employer will pay the Employee $[amount] an hour, less required deductions, paid [pay frequency]. Overtime will be paid as required by employment standards legislation.
6. Vacation and public holidays
The Employee will receive vacation time and vacation pay of [4%] of eligible earnings, and never less than employment standards legislation requires, [paid on each pay / paid when vacation is taken]. The Employee is entitled to public holiday pay as required by that legislation.
7. Benefits
The Employee [is / is not] eligible for [benefits] [after working an average of [number] hours a week].
8. Probation
The first [3] months are a probationary period, during which employment may end with the notice or pay, if any, required by employment standards legislation.
9. Ending employment
The Employee may resign with [2] weeks' written notice. The Employer may end employment without cause by providing the notice or pay instead of notice, and severance pay if applicable, required by [the employment standards legislation of the province where the Employee works], and never less. If the Employee engages in conduct that disentitles them to notice under that legislation, the Employer may end employment without notice or pay.
10. Confidentiality and property
The Employee will keep the Employer's confidential information private and return all of the Employer's property when employment ends.
11. Entire agreement and governing law
This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties and is governed by the laws of [province].
12. Signatures
Employer: [name, title] — Signature: __________ — Date: __________
Employee: [name] — Signature: __________ — Date: __________
Adapting the template
Guaranteed hours
If you guarantee a minimum number of hours, say so. If hours are fully variable, explain how shifts are offered.
Students
For students, consider school-year limits on hours and the rules for young workers in your province.
Moving to full-time
Explain how and when a part-time employee can be considered for full-time hours.
What employers miss
"Bilingual" isn't a job requirement
Write down which languages the job uses, for which tasks, and at what level for speaking, reading and writing. It helps you hire fairly, test the right skills and explain the requirement if it's ever questioned.
Same minimum standards
Part-time employees get the same employment standards protections as full-time employees, including minimum wage, overtime, public holidays, vacation pay and termination notice. Human rights and pay equity laws also apply.
Three-hour and on-call rules
Several provinces require minimum pay when an employee is called in for a short shift, or rules about cancelling shifts at the last minute.
Vacation pay is still owed
Part-time employees earn vacation pay on their earnings, even if they rarely take vacation.
Justify languages other than French in Quebec
Under Quebec's Charter of the French language, you can only require knowledge of a language other than French if the duties really need it, after assessing the job's actual language needs and the language skills already in your team. Say why in the job posting and keep a record of your assessment.
Official sources
Check the employment standards for the province or territory where the employee works:
- Ontario — Your guide to the Employment Standards Act
- Quebec — Working conditions (CNESST)
- British Columbia — Employment standards
- Alberta — Employment standards
- Saskatchewan — Employment standards
- Manitoba — Employment standards
- Nova Scotia — Employment rights
- Federally regulated employers — Federal labour standards (Canada Labour Code)
Questions
Do part-time employees get public holiday pay?
Usually yes, if they meet the province's eligibility rules. The amount is often based on average daily earnings.
Can I pay part-time employees a lower hourly rate?
Generally yes, as long as it's at least minimum wage and the difference isn't based on a protected ground such as sex or age. Some collective agreements and pay equity laws limit this, so check before setting different rates.
Do part-time employees get notice if I end their job?
Yes. Notice and severance rights depend on length of service, not hours worked.
This template is general information based on Canadian employment law, last checked on October 5, 2026. Laws differ by province and change over time, and courts look closely at termination clauses. Have an employment lawyer review your contract before you use it.
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