Quitting Your Job: How Much Notice Do You Have to Give?

Ontario's Employment Standards Act generally does not require employees to give notice when they quit, except in some mass termination situations.

Your contract

Many contracts set a notice period for resignations. A reasonable notice clause will generally be followed.

Common law

Courts expect an employee to give reasonable notice, which is usually much shorter than what an employer must give. An employer can sue for losses caused by an abrupt departure, but such claims are uncommon and usually small.

Resigning the right way

1. Write a short, polite resignation letter with your last day.
2. Return company property.
3. Keep copies of your pay stubs and records.

What you are owed

• All wages to your last day.
• Vacation pay owing.
• Commissions or bonuses you have earned under your contract.
• A Record of Employment for EI.

Resigning vs being pushed out

If you are resigning because your employer made major changes without your agreement, read about constructive dismissal first.

Sources

• Employment Standards Act, 2000
• Before resigning over major changes at work (NEO guide)

Read next: Employee Handbooks and Policies: Are They Binding?

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Unsplash: A close up of a stone column with a clock on it · a close up of a text on a book.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.