← All countries

Employing an au pair in Canada

Provincial employment standards + CRA payroll

Last reviewed

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Employment law changes, varies by region and depends on your exact arrangement. Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.

In Canada, employment standards for a nanny/caregiver are set PROVINCIALLY (minimum wage, hours, overtime, leave all vary by province/territory), while payroll deductions go to the federal CRA. Check your province’s employment-standards office as well.

Pay floor

Varies — check the rate that applies to you

Minimum wage in Canada is set by each province/territory and varies widely (there is no single national household rate). Check your provincial employment-standards office for the current rate.

What to get right

1

Written contract

A written contract is strongly recommended (and required for caregiver immigration programs). Use the contract template in the NannyTank app and add your province’s standards.

2

Minimum wage & hours

Minimum wage, overtime, rest days and public holidays are set by your province or territory and vary widely. Confirm your province’s current rules.

3

CRA payroll

As an employer you register for a payroll account and deduct/remit income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI), plus the employer’s share.

4

Workplace insurance

Some provinces require workplace-injury insurance (e.g. WSIB in Ontario) for household employees — check whether yours does.

Official sources

Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.

An editable contract template for Canada

NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Provincial employment standards + CRA payroll — you fill in the agreed pay and hours. Available in the app, along with hours, overtime and claim tracking.

Start your free trial →

Other countries

South Africa United Kingdom Ireland Germany France Netherlands Spain Switzerland United States Australia New Zealand

NannyTank is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances. Confirm anything you rely on with the official bodies above or a qualified adviser.