Workers' rights and employment standards

This publication explains the provisions of the Act as they apply to pregnancy, breastfeeding, maternity and parental leave, adoption, and childcare obligations. It also provides resources for finding more information about maternity leave and parental leave, which includes leave for adoptive parents.

CCRW’s mission is to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities. CCRW provides leadership in programs and services for job seekers with disabilities and businesses committed to equity and inclusion.

The Canadian Human Rights Act gives each of us an equal opportunity to work and live without being hindered by discriminatory practices. The Canadian Human Rights Commission is responsible to investigate and try to settle complaints of discrimination in employment and in the provision of services by federally regulated organizations. Information is provided about which organizations these are, and about the nature of discrimination and harassment and what can be done.

Employment Standards staff administer and enforce the Employment Standards Code, which establishes minimum standards of employment for employers and employees in the workplace. This site contains information on the minimum standards of employment for employers and employees, including payment of earnings, minimum wage, hours of work and rest periods, overtime and overtime pay, vacations and vacation pay, general holidays and holiday pay, maternity and parental leave and termination of employment. There is also a section for filing a complaint.

For information about Alberta Employment Standards call the province-wide toll-free line 1-877-427-3731 or in the Edmonton calling area dial 780-427-3731. The web page provides a form to submit a question or concern online.

In this issue of English Express you will learn about human rights in Alberta with examples and illustrations. English Express uses simple and easy to understand English for anyone to understand their publication.(PDF – 23 pages)

This page from the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada outlines the laws that govern federally regulated workplaces.

This webpage from the Alberta Human Rights Commission’s website explains the rights and responsibilities of the Alberta Human Rights Act in the workplace.

Information includes how the Alberta Human Rights Act applies to the workplace, right and responsibilities of employees and employers, rights and responsibilities for trade unions and occupational associations, FAQs and resources related to the topic.

This online resource is provided by Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. These FAQs provide information regarding who is eligible for maternity and parental leave, the duration of both leaves, income during these leaves, what is required of you to give to your employer, what is required of the employer, as well as what can expected when you return to work or if you are unable to take maternity/parental leave.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization representing the political voice of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada, inclusive of First Nations on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised, Métis and Inuit. NWAC works on a variety of issues such as employment, labour and business, health, violence prevention and safety, justice and human rights, environment, early learning childcare and international affairs.

New Alberta Workers is a not-for-profit program started in 2013.  its aim is to provide workplace health and safety information for Temporary Foreign Workers and other New to Alberta Workers

The Office of the Appeals Advisor (OAA) was established to advance the interests of injured workers and their dependants. Appeals advisors are all certified in Tribunal Administrative Justice, are specialists in interpreting and applying the Workers’ Compensation Act and WCB policies. They will walk you through the appeals process and act as your representative throughout. The OAA acts independently of WCB when representing workers and, whenever possible, they try to work directly with WCB’s customer service areas to resolve issues so that a formal appeals hearing is not necessary. There is no charge to you for this service.

Services for Youth is all about helping youth 15 to 30 years of age. On this Government of Canada site, you will find information ranging from health and education programs to sports and cultural activities.

This division of Alberta Employment and Immigration will help temporary foreign workers to learn about their rights and find solutions for problem situations. Booklets and brochures are available for employers and for workers. (Guide for Employees is available in 13 languages.) A walk-in office and a helpline are offered for assistance.

This 49-page background paper published by the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission introduces readers to a wide variety of dispute resolution methods that can be used to resolve human rights issues in the workplace and offers a comprehensive discussion about mediation. This article gives an overview of the paper; the complete text can be downloaded as a PDF.

This publication is for workers who want to know more about employment rules in the Alberta workplace. It discusses legislation covering workers, their rights before starting a job, their rights and responsibilities on the job, and leaving the job temporarily or permanently. Information is provided on employment standards, workplace health and safety, human rights and workers’ compensation. Key contacts and resources for Alberta employees are also included. (PDF – 40 pages)