At a glance
- Type
- An addendum that adds to the employment agreement
- Location
- The province where the employee works usually decides which employment standards apply
- Equipment
- Who provides and maintains it
- Expenses
- What's reimbursed and how
- Disconnecting
- Ontario employers with 25+ employees need a written policy on disconnecting from work
- Monitoring
- Ontario employers with 25+ employees need a written electronic monitoring policy
Template
Replace the highlighted text in brackets. Delete optional clauses you don't need.
1. Parties and purpose
This Remote Work Agreement is made on [date] between [Employer legal name] (the "Employer") and [Employee full name] (the "Employee") and adds to the Employment Agreement dated [date]. If they conflict, this Agreement applies to remote work.
2. Work location
The Employee will work remotely from [address or city, province] [on [days], and at the office on [days]]. The Employee will tell the Employer in advance before working from another location, and won't work from outside [province / Canada] without written approval.
3. Hours and availability
The Employee will be available during [core hours, time zone] and will follow the Employer's policies on hours, overtime approval and disconnecting from work.
4. Equipment and expenses
The Employer will provide [laptop, monitor, phone] and will [reimburse $[amount] a month for internet / approved expenses]. Employer equipment remains the Employer's property and must be returned when employment ends.
5. Workspace, health and safety
The Employee will keep a safe, suitable workspace and report any work-related injury promptly, as they would at the office.
6. Security and privacy
The Employee will protect confidential information, use secure connections and Employer-approved tools, and lock devices when not in use. The Employer's electronic monitoring is described in its written monitoring policy.
7. Changes and ending remote work
The Employer may change or end remote work arrangements with [30] days' written notice, in line with the Employment Agreement and applicable law.
8. Signatures
Employer: [name, title] — Signature: __________ — Date: __________
Employee: [name] — Signature: __________ — Date: __________
Adapting the template
Fully remote hires
If the job was always remote, say so in the employment agreement too, so there's no doubt about where the employee works.
Working from another province
If the employee moves to another province, that province's employment standards and payroll rules usually apply. Update the agreement and payroll.
Home office tax forms
Some employees can deduct home office expenses if the employer signs the CRA's form T2200 or T2200S. Explain your process.
Serving clients in two languages
If the employee serves clients in French and English from home, note any language-specific availability, such as covering a French support line during set hours.
What employers miss
Which province's rules apply
Employment standards usually depend on where the employee physically works, not where your office is. Track where remote employees live.
Written policies in Ontario
Ontario employers with 25 or more employees must have written policies on disconnecting from work and on electronic monitoring.
Ending remote work
If remote work is a key term of the job, ending it without agreement can raise constructive dismissal risk. Keep the right to change arrangements in writing.
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 I have to reimburse remote work expenses?
It depends on the agreement and the province; some expenses that bring pay below minimum wage may not be allowed. Be clear in writing.
Can I require employees to come back to the office?
Usually, if the contract allows it and you give reasonable notice. It's riskier if remote work was a condition of the job.
Does workers' compensation cover remote employees?
Often yes, for injuries arising from work. Check with your provincial workers' compensation board.
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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