Notice period

Quebec Notice Period Requirements

In Quebec, Canada, employers must provide written notice to employees before terminating employment. The required notice period depends on the employee's length of service and is mandated under Quebec's Act respecting Labour Standards.

Employees with less than three months of service require no notice. Those employed for three months or more but less than one year must receive one week's notice. Employees with one year or more but less than five years of service are entitled to two weeks' notice. Workers employed for five years or more but less than ten years require four weeks' notice, while those with ten or more years of service must receive eight weeks' notice.

These requirements are established under Quebec's Act respecting Labour Standards (Loi sur les normes du travail), which sets minimum employment standards across the province. Notice must be provided in writing and clearly communicate the termination date.

While Ontario introduced job-seeking leave, extended layoff provisions, and increased workplace safety penalties effective November 27, 2025, Quebec maintains its own distinct notice period framework. Employers operating in Quebec must comply with the province's specific statutory requirements rather than federal or other provincial standards.

Payroll and human resources teams must track each employee's hire date to calculate the correct notice period upon termination. Failure to provide adequate notice may expose employers to liability for wages in lieu of notice. Documentation of notice delivery is essential for compliance verification and dispute resolution.