How vacation pay works in Quebec
Quebec sets its vacation pay and vacation time minimums in the Act respecting labour standards.
Quebec sets its vacation pay and vacation time minimums in the Act respecting labour standards. Every employee starts earning vacation pay from their first days of work, at a minimum rate of 4% of gross wages for 2 weeks of vacation time per year.
That minimum rises once, to 6% and 3 weeks a year, once you pass 3 years of completed, continuous employment with the same employer. Before that anniversary, the lower 4% rate applies; from that anniversary on, 6% applies to your vacationable earnings going forward.
Vacation pay is calculated on your vacationable earnings, not just your base salary - Vacation pay in Quebec is calculated on your gross wages earned during the reference year, as defined by the Act respecting labour standards (CNESST). See the official source for exactly how commissions, bonuses and overtime are treated. Enter your actual gross earnings for the period in the calculator above, and it will apply Quebec’s exact minimum automatically.
How Quebec compares across Canada
Compare with a neighbouring province or territory
| Jurisdiction | Weeks | Percent | Threshold | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 2 → 3 → 4 | 4% → 6% → 8% | 5 yrs, 10 yrs | High | Source |
| Alberta | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| British Columbia | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| Manitoba | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| New Brunswick | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 15 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Nova Scotia | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Nunavut | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 6 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Ontario | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | High | Source |
| Prince Edward Island | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 8 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Quebec | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 3 yrs | High | Source |
| Saskatchewan | 3 → 4 | 5.77% (3/52) → 7.69% (4/52) | 10 yrs | High | Source |
| Northwest Territories | 2 → 3 | 4% → 6% | 5 yrs | Medium | Source |
| Yukon | 2 | 4% | - (flat, no increase) | Medium | Source |
Compare with a neighbouring province or territory
Quebec FAQ
What is the minimum vacation pay percentage in Quebec?
Under Act respecting labour standards, vacation pay starts at a minimum of 4% of your gross wages, equal to 2 weeks of vacation time, from your first year of employment. In your first year, Quebec accrues vacation at 1 day for each month of service worked, up to a maximum of 2 weeks, rather than granting the full 2 weeks upfront. Quebec also lowered its threshold for the 6% / 3-week tier from 5 years to 3 years effective January 1, 2019, and - unlike the federal rules and Saskatchewan - it has no further 8% tier at 10 years.
When does vacation pay in Quebec increase to 6%?
It increases after 3 years of completed, continuous service, at which point the minimum rises to 6% of your gross wages and 3 weeks of vacation time under the Act respecting labour standards.
How much vacation time do I get in Quebec?
The Act respecting labour standards sets a minimum of 2 weeks then 3 weeks, rising with years of completed service as shown in the calculator above. This is a floor, not a cap - your employer’s policy or employment contract can always offer more than the legal minimum, but not less.
What counts as vacationable earnings in Quebec?
Vacation pay in Quebec is calculated on your gross wages earned during the reference year, as defined by the Act respecting labour standards (CNESST). See the official source for exactly how commissions, bonuses and overtime are treated.
Is vacation pay paid out if I quit or am terminated in Quebec?
Yes. Any vacation pay you have earned but have not yet been paid must be included in your final pay when your employment with an employer in Quebec ends, whether you resign, are laid off, or are terminated. Check the official source above for the exact number of days your employer has to issue that final payment.
Does Quebec’s vacation pay rule apply to part-time employees?
Yes. Because vacation pay is a percentage of the wages you actually earned rather than a fixed weekly amount, part-time, casual and seasonal employees in Quebec earn it in proportion to their pay, on the same percentage schedule as full-time employees.