The Employment Standards Act (ESA) is a law in Ontario.

What are my health and safety rights?

You have health and safety rights at work. These rights are protected by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
You have the right to know about dangerous materials or equipment used in your work. You can also say no to work that is not safe.

As a worker, you have the right to:

• Know about dangerous materials or equipment used in your work. Your employer has to give you this information.
• Say no to work that is not safe. You do not have to do that work until it is safe. You must tell your boss right away. You cannot be suspended, fired, or not get paid for saying no to work that is not safe.

  
  

  What is the minimum wage when I work?

  The minimum wage in Ontario is C$10.25/hour for most jobs.
  Some jobs have a different minimum wage. In Ontario, these are:

  Job Category	Minimum Wage
  General minimum wage	C$10.25/hour
  Students (someone who is 18 and works 28 hours/week or less)	C$9.60/hour
  Liquor server (for example, a bartender, a waiter)	C$8.90/hour
  Hunting and fishing guide (who works less than 5 hours in a row in a day)	C$51.25
  Hunting and fishing guide (who works 5 or more hours in a day)	C$102.50
  Homeworkers (someone who works at home for an employer)	C$11.28/hour

  The rules about minimum wage are complicated. How the rates apply depends on the situation.

  What is discrimination at work? 

  The Ontario Human Rights Code is a law about discrimination. It says that an employer cannot discriminate against you for certain reasons.

  In Ontario, employers cannot treat you unfairly or discriminate against you because of your:

  • Race
  • Ancestry
  • Place of origin
  • Colour
  • Ethnic origin
  • Citizenship
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age
  • Family status or marital status
  • Disability

  There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, an airline can hire only people with good eyesight as pilots. This is acceptable. A pilot has to have good eyesight to do their job safely.