ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2025

Vacation Math: Why Time ≠ Pay Under Ontario's ESA

Spring Law

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When it comes to taking time off work in Ontario, many employees (and employers) are confused about the difference between vacation time and vacation pay.

CanadaEmployment and HR

Filip Szadurski

When it comes to taking time off work in Ontario, many employees (and employers) are confused about the difference between vacation time and vacation pay. Both are mandated by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), but they are distinct entitlements with different purposes and rules.

Vacation Time: Your Right to Time Off

Under the ESA, most employees in Ontario earn at least two weeks of vacation time per year after completing 12 months of employment. For employees with five or more years of service, this increases to three weeks per year.

Vacation time is just that- time off work to rest, recharge, and enjoy personal activities without performing work duties.

Key points about vacation time:

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