Ministry of Labour

The Ministry of Labour promotes fair, healthy and safe labour and employment relationships in support of a strong, sustainable and inclusive economy.

Featured Topics

• Permanent Paid Sick Leave 
  As of Jan, 1, 2022, the majority of B.C.’s workforce no longer have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages when B.C.’s first-ever permanent paid sick leave comes into effect with a minimum of five paid sick days each year.
• Minimum Wage
  Every worker in British Columbia deserves to make a fair wage for their work. That’s why, on June 1, 2023, British Columbia’s minimum wage will increase to $16.75/hr from $15.65/hr.
• Child Employment Regulation Changes
  Amendments to raise the general minimum working age from 12 to 16, while still allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to do jobs considered light work, came into effect October 15, 2021.
  • Hazardous Work for Youth
    Changes to employment standards to better protect young people by outlining the types of work that are suitable for those aged 16 to 18 came into effect Jan. 1, 2023.
• Domestic and Sexual Violence Leave
  B.C.’s employment standards provide job-protected, paid and unpaid leave for people who have faced domestic or sexual violence. 
• Fair Wages Commission
  An independent commission tasked with advising government on increases to minimum wages, and examining the discrepancy between the minimum wage and living wages in B.C.
• Precarious Work Strategy
  Parliamentary Secretary Janet Routledge is leading a broad precarious work strategy to address the challenges facing precarious and gig workers. The strategy will propose employment standards amendments that reflect the changing needs of new types of work including app-based ride-hailing and delivery work.
• Occupational Health and Safety
  Provides an overview of legislative and regulatory occupational health and safety requirements. Including information on accident/incident investigations and when to report.
• Workers Compensation Act Changes
  Announced in October 2022, amendments to the Workers Compensation Act will better support injured workers and their families, as well as bring B.C. in line with other provinces in providing benefits for injured workers.

Featured Services

• BC Labour Relations Board
  An independent, administrative tribunal with the mandate to mediate and adjudicate employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces. Contact the Board. 

• Employment Standards Branch
  Administers the Employment Standards Act and Regulation, which set minimum standards for wages and working conditions in most workplaces. Contact the Branch. 

• Employers’ Advisers Office
  Operating independently of WorkSafeBC, the Employers' Advisers Office provides advice, assistance, representation and education to employers, potential employers and employer associations concerning workers' compensation issues.Contact the Office. 

• Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal
  The Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) processes appeals about WorkSafeBC decisions. Contact the Tribunal. 

• Workers’ Advisers Office​
  Operating independently of WorkSafeBC, the Workers' Advisers Office provides free advice and assistance to workers and their dependants on disagreements they may have with WorkSafeBC decisions. Contact the Office. 

• Workers' Compensation System
  The workers’ compensation system is protected and maintained by WorkSafeBC, an independent reporting agency.