8.6: Explain the employee benefits that are required by law. Flashcards
What are legally required employee benefits in Canada?
Canada/Québec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP)
Employment Insurance (EI)
Workers’ compensation
Provincial hospital and medical services
Unpaid leave (in some provinces)
Statutory holidays, vacation pay, overtime premiums, severance (per employment standards legislation)
Who is covered by the CPP/QPP?
All Canadian employees aged 18 to 70.
What are the three main types of benefits funded by CPP/QPP contributions?
Retirement pensions
Disability benefits
Survivors’ benefits
What concern exists about the future of CPP?
With an aging population, current contributions may not meet future needs unless increased.
What is the purpose of EI?
To provide income protection for employees between jobs, during parental leave, or under qualifying circumstances.
Who contributes to the EI fund?
Both employers and employees.
What parental leave changes were implemented in 2019?
Fathers and non-birth parents were granted access to 5–8 weeks of leave to encourage shared caregiving.
How do provinces fund healthcare?
Mostly through general tax revenue and federal cost sharing.
What is different about Ontario, Québec, and Newfoundland?
They levy a payroll tax for healthcare.
What do Alberta and BC do differently?
They charge premiums to residents or employers, with subsidies for low-income individuals.
Are leaves without pay mandated by law in Canada?
In some provinces (e.g., Ontario, Alberta), employers must offer unpaid leave under specific conditions (e.g., caring for a dependent).
How has federal legislation addressed unpaid leave?
It expanded access and length of unpaid leaves for family caregiving among federally regulated employees.
What are additional benefits employers may be legally required to provide?
Pay for statutory holidays
Minimum vacation pay
Overtime premiums
Severance pay (in some provinces)
Why must managers stay up to date on legal benefits?
Employment standards legislation can vary and change over time, requiring regular review.
