Company Information
Candidate Information
Position Details
Compensation
Probation & Benefits
Work Arrangement
Acceptance Deadline
Letter Preview
Your Company
Re: Offer of Employment — Position Title
Dear Candidate,
We are pleased to offer you the position of Position Title at Company. We were impressed with your qualifications and believe you will be a valuable addition to our team.
1. Position and Duties
You will be employed as Position Title in the department department, reporting to your supervisor. Your employment type will be Full-Time. Your anticipated start date is TBD.
2. Compensation
Your compensation will be detailed here.
3. Benefits
Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans, you will be eligible to participate in the following benefits:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
4. Vacation and Time Off
You will be entitled to vacation time as outlined here.
5. Probationary Period
Your probation details will appear here.
6. Work Location and Hours
Your work arrangement details will appear here.
7. Confidentiality
As a condition of employment, you agree to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary and confidential information of the Company. You may be required to sign a separate confidentiality and/or non-disclosure agreement.
8. Employment Standards
This offer and your employment are subject to the applicable employment standards legislation.
9. Termination
Either party may terminate this employment relationship in accordance with the applicable employment standards legislation. The Company reserves the right to terminate your employment for just cause without notice or pay in lieu of notice.
10. Conditions of Employment
This offer is conditional upon satisfactory completion of a background check, verification of references, and proof of eligibility to work in Canada.
We look forward to welcoming you to our team. Please indicate your acceptance by signing below and returning a copy of this letter.
Sincerely,
Hiring Manager
Title
Company
Date: _______________
Acceptance
I, Candidate Name, accept the above offer of employment.
Candidate Signature
Date: _______________
How to Create a Professional Employment Offer Letter
Key Elements of a Job Offer Letter
A well-crafted offer letter sets the tone for the employment relationship and protects both the employer and employee. Every offer letter should clearly state the terms and conditions of employment to avoid misunderstandings.
- Position Details: Job title, department, reporting structure, and start date
- Compensation: Salary or hourly wage, pay frequency, and any bonuses or commissions
- Benefits: Health, dental, vision, RRSP matching, and other perks
- Work Arrangement: Office, remote, or hybrid, and expected hours
- Probation Period: Duration and conditions
- Confidentiality: Non-disclosure and intellectual property obligations
- Termination: Notice period requirements and at-will provisions
- Conditions: Background checks, references, and eligibility to work
Canadian Employment Standards Overview
Each province and territory in Canada has its own Employment Standards Act (ESA) that sets minimum requirements. Federally regulated employees fall under the Canada Labour Code.
| Province | Key Legislation |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) |
| British Columbia | Employment Standards Act (RSBC 1996) |
| Alberta | Employment Standards Code |
| Quebec | Act Respecting Labour Standards |
| Federal | Canada Labour Code, Part III |
Probation Period Rules in Canada
- Ontario: No statutory probation period, but the ESA provides reduced termination notice for employees with less than 3 months of service
- British Columbia: Employers can terminate without notice in the first 3 months
- Alberta: No minimum notice required in the first 90 days
- Quebec: Employees with less than 2 years of service have limited unjust dismissal recourse
- Probation clauses must be clearly stated in writing to be enforceable
Termination Notice Requirements
- Ontario: 1 week per year of service, up to 8 weeks (ESA minimum). Common law may require more.
- British Columbia: 1 week after 3 months, scaling up to 8 weeks after 8 years
- Alberta: 1 week after 90 days, up to 8 weeks after 10+ years
- Federal: 2 weeks for employees with 3+ months of service
Minimum Vacation Entitlements by Province
| Province | Minimum Vacation |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 2 weeks (3 weeks after 5 years) |
| British Columbia | 2 weeks (3 weeks after 5 years) |
| Alberta | 2 weeks (3 weeks after 5 years) |
| Quebec | 2 weeks (3 weeks after 3 years) |
| Saskatchewan | 3 weeks (4 weeks after 10 years) |
| Federal | 2 weeks (3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years) |
Non-Compete Enforceability in Canada
Non-compete clauses are generally difficult to enforce in Canada. Courts tend to view them as restraints of trade and require that they be:
- Reasonable in scope: Limited to specific activities, not an entire industry
- Reasonable in geography: Confined to a defined area
- Reasonable in duration: Typically 6-12 months maximum
- Supported by consideration: Something of value provided to the employee
Ontario: As of October 2021, non-compete agreements are banned for most employees except C-suite executives. Non-solicitation agreements remain enforceable if reasonable.
Sources
- Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ontario.ca/laws/statute/00e41)
- Canada Labour Code, Part III (laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)
- Provincial employment standards legislation for each jurisdiction