Domestic workers

Domestic workers are people who, in exchange for remuneration, undertake to carry out tasks for an individual, such as:

• household chores or maintenance tasks
• babysitting or taking care of a person or animal
• any other domestic tasks at the individual’s home
• acting as a chauffeur or bodyguard
• any other tasks strictly related to the individual’s private affairs

Working conditions

As is the case for all workers, it is recommended that the working conditions be clearly established at the time of hiring. These conditions can be established in an employment contract.

Domestic workers’ basic working conditions are the same as those of all workers. For example, domestic workers must receive a wage equal to or higher than the minimum wage.

Specific conditions

Domestic worker living with the employer

The employer cannot demand payment for the room and board of domestic workers who live with them and take their meals at the employer's home.

Personal caregivers

Certain specific conditions apply to personal caregivers.

Rights and obligations

As is the case for all workers, domestic workers have labour rights and obligations (in French only).

Domestic workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding can apply for the For a Safe Maternity Experience Program if their job involves physical hazards to their health or that of their child. Self-employed workers who carry out the same types of activities as those of domestic workers are not entitled to the For a Safe Maternity Experience Program.

Coverage in the event of a work accident or occupational disease

As of April 6, 2022, domestic workers are automatically covered in the event of a work accident or an occupational disease if they work for the same individual at least, as the case may be:

• 420 hours over a period of 1 year (12 months)
• 30 hours a week over a period of 7 consecutive weeks

An individual who employs a domestic worker who is automatically covered must register as an employer with the CNESST.

A domestic worker who is not eligible for automatic coverage may request personal protection (in French only) at their own expense.

Complaints and recourses

A domestic worker who believes that their labour rights have not been respected can file a complaint with the CNESST.