How overtime is calculated in Canada
Overtime pay is 1.5× your regular hourly rate. What changes by province is the threshold — the hours after which overtime kicks in:
- 40 hours/week: Federal, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, most territories
- 44 hours/week: Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- 48 hours/week: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
- Daily OT: British Columbia (1.5× after 8h, 2× after 12h) and Alberta (after 8h/day)
Hourly rate = (monthly salary × 12) ÷ (52 × weekly hours); overtime pay = hourly × 1.5 × overtime hours.
FAQ
- What's the overtime rate in Canada?
- 1.5× the regular rate (time-and-a-half) in every jurisdiction.
- When does overtime start?
- 40, 44, or 48 hours a week depending on the province — and daily in BC/Alberta.
- Is the amount net?
- No, it's gross — before tax, CPP and EI.
Source: Canada Labour Code (federal) and provincial Employment Standards Acts.