Media Contacts

James Smith

Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
jimmy.smith@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 213-8637

Backgrounders

Facts about the Employment Standards Branch
  • The upcoming Budget 2023 will include an increase to the Employment Standards Branch’s operating budget of $11.94 million to support as many as 33 new full-time employees over three years:
    • $3.13 million in 2023-24
    • $3.98 million in 2024-25
    • $4.82 million in 2025-26
  • The branch interprets, applies and enforces the Employment Standards Act, which covers minimum standards for such things as payment of wages, termination, statutory holiday pay and vacation pay. 
  • It promotes fair treatment, open communication and work-life balance for employees.
  • In 2019, the self-help kit, which was a barrier to services provided by staff, was removed, making it easier for workers to file complaints against their employers.
  • The branch also administers the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, including the provincial temporary foreign worker employer registry, which is the initial level of screening and tracking of employers who intend to hire foreign workers.
  • This process verifies an employer’s compliance with applicable labour legislation and federal government program requirements.
  • Once a provincial registration is complete, employers can apply to the federal temporary foreign worker program.

Media Contacts

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 213-8637