Meal Break Regulation in Canada

In Canada, the lunch break policy is governed by the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workplaces.


Employees are entitled to an unpaid break of at least 30 minutes for every 5 consecutive hours of work. This break must be taken in one continuous period and cannot be split into shorter breaks.


However there are some differences in lunch break policies among the provinces in Canada. While the federal Canada Labour Code sets the standard for federally regulated workplaces, each province has its own labour laws that apply to most other workplaces. 



Provinces or TerritoriesLunch BreaksReference

Newfoundland and Labrador

1 hourPublications_Labour_Relations_At_Work_Updates_October-2022.pdf

Manitoba

30 minsEmployment Standards | Employment Standards | Hours of Work and Breaks 

New Brunswick

30 minsEmployee Rights and Obligations

Alberta30 mins
Employment Standards Guide for Employees

British Columbia

30 minsHours of work and overtime - Province of British Columbia

Nova Scotia

30 minsBreaks, Period of Rest | novascotia.ca

Ontario

30 minsSection 20 — Eating periods

Prince Edward Island

30 minsLeave Options / Time Away from Work | Government of Prince Edward Island

Quebec

30 minsAttendance at work, breaks and weekly rest | Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail - CNESST

Saskatchewan


30 minsUnderstanding Employment Standards in Saskatchewan: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Northwest Territories

30 mins2021_08-_factsheet-_employment_standards_-_english_1.pdf

Nunavut30 minsMicrosoft Word - 1201 - Standard Hours of Work.doc

Yukon
30 minsworking-in-yukon-a-guide-for-foreign-workers-2019.pdf




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