What constitutes a "standard work week" in Canada?

A "standard work week" in Canada is typically defined as 40 hours. This standard is rooted in historical labor practices and is the basis upon which many employment contracts are structured. The 40-hour work week is commonly referenced in various labor legislations, including the Canada Labour Code, which establishes standards regarding hours of work, pay, and overtime.

In most provinces and territories, the standard duration for a full-time worker is indeed 40 hours per week, which can be distributed across five 8-hour workdays. When employees exceed this duration, they are usually entitled to overtime pay, which generally is calculated at time and a half or double time, depending on the specific regulations of the jurisdiction and any applicable collective agreements or employer policies.

Understanding this standard is important for both employers and employees, as it sets the baseline for typical work expectations and informs calculations for wages and benefits related to work hours.