What minimum vacation pay could apply?

Vacation pay is generally calculated as a percentage of eligible gross wages, but the minimum percentage and entitlement rules depend on the employment jurisdiction and length of service. Provincial and federal standards can therefore produce different results.

Both percentages are commonly used, but which minimum applies depends on the province or federal jurisdiction and an employee’s length of service. Some employees may also receive a higher contractual percentage than the statutory minimum.

Often, certain overtime earnings form part of the wages used to calculate vacation pay, but the definition of wages differs by jurisdiction. The calculator should apply the rules for the selected province or employment standard.

They can. Whether a bonus or commission is included depends on how the applicable employment standards legislation defines wages and on the nature of the payment.

Any earned but unpaid vacation pay generally must be paid when employment ends, subject to the applicable employment standards rules. The amount depends on wages earned, vacation already taken or paid, and your jurisdiction.