How to File a Workplace Complaint in Canada

Unpaid wages, wrongful dismissal, or a rule-breaking employer? Covers the Federal Labour Program and provincial Employment Standards processes.

Find Your Path

Federally regulated employers

Banks, airlines, telecoms, and interprovincial transportation and communications employers.

Federal Labour Program — 1-800-641-4049 →

Ontario

Unpaid wages, vacation pay, termination pay, and other Employment Standards Act violations.

Employment Standards Information Centre — 1-800-531-5551 →

Other provinces & territories

Every province and territory has its own employment standards office (e.g. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, BC Employment Standards Branch). Ask Asya below with your province and it can point you to the right one.

Discrimination or harassment at work

If the issue is about discrimination rather than unpaid wages or standards violations, it goes to a human rights body instead.

See the Human Rights Complaint Guide →

Legal disputes needing representation

Wrongful dismissal claims or disputes needing more than an authority referral.

ComplaintCA's Lawyer Panel connects you with vetted legal counsel.

Where ComplaintCA Fits

ComplaintCA doesn't replace the Labour Program or your provincial employment standards office — it helps you identify the right one and drafts a clear, factual complaint in one of 7 supported languages, so you walk in prepared.

No need to read this whole guide — Asya can ask a few questions and point you to the right body in seconds.

Start with Asya Now →

Frequently Asked

Where do I file a complaint against a federally regulated employer?

The Federal Labour Program, at 1-800-641-4049.

Where do I file an employment standards complaint in Ontario?

The Employment Standards Information Centre, at 1-800-531-5551.

Does this cover workplace discrimination?

No — discrimination and harassment go to a human rights body, not an employment standards office.

What is ComplaintCA?

A Canadian civic complaint platform that routes you to the correct authority, with AI-assisted drafting in 7 languages, an MP finder, a lawyer panel, and cyber crime reporting support.

I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?

Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.

Sources & Verification

This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:

Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.

Related Guides