Reservist leave in Ontario gives eligible Canadian Armed Forces reservists unpaid, job-protected time away from their civilian jobs for qualifying deployments, military skills training and related medical recovery.
Most reservists qualify after working for their employer for at least two consecutive months. There is no minimum service requirement when the employee is deployed inside Canada to help deal with an emergency or its aftermath.
If you qualify, your employer can’t refuse the leave simply because your absence is inconvenient. Give reasonable written notice where possible and keep your employer informed about when the leave will end.
On This Page:
- 1. Who Qualifies?
- 2. What Military Service Is Covered?
- 3. How Long Can the Leave Last?
- 4. Notice & Proof
- 5. Pay, Benefits & Seniority
- 6. Returning to Work
- 7. FAQs
Who Qualifies for Reservist Leave in Ontario?
Most Ontario reservists qualify for ESA reservist leave after at least two consecutive months of employment.
A reservist is a member of the reserve force of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Is there always a two-month waiting period?
No. There is no minimum employment requirement if you are deployed to a Canadian Forces operation inside Canada that is helping deal with an emergency or its aftermath.
For other covered deployments, military skills training and related medical recovery, the normal two-month requirement applies.
What Does Reservist Leave Cover?
Ontario reservist leave covers several types of military service and related recovery.
You can qualify when you are away from your civilian job because you are:
- Deployed to a Canadian Forces operation outside Canada
- Taking part in required pre-deployment or post-deployment activities connected to that operation
- Deployed inside Canada to help with an emergency or its aftermath
- Participating in Canadian Forces military skills training
- Receiving treatment, recovery or rehabilitation for a physical or mental health condition caused by covered military service or training
Does emergency deployment inside Canada qualify?
Yes. This can include military assistance involving emergencies, search and rescue or recovery from major disasters.
How Long Is Reservist Leave in Ontario?
Ontario reservist leave does not have a fixed maximum number of days or weeks.
The leave generally lasts for as long as the qualifying deployment, military training or related treatment, recovery or rehabilitation applies to you.
That means a short training period can result in a short leave, while a longer deployment can support a much longer absence.
How Much Notice Do You Need to Give?
You must give your employer reasonable written notice before starting reservist leave where possible.
Ontario’s ESA does not currently set one fixed number of weeks that applies to every reservist leave.
If military circumstances require you to leave before providing notice, tell your employer in writing as soon as possible afterward.
Can your employer ask for proof?
Yes. Your employer can ask for evidence that is reasonable in the circumstances showing that you qualify for reservist leave.
That can include appropriate documentation confirming your deployment, training or other qualifying military activity.
Do you need to give notice before returning?
Yes. You must also give reasonable written notice of when you intend to end the leave.
Is Reservist Leave Paid in Ontario?
No. Ontario’s ESA does not require your civilian employer to pay your wages during reservist leave.
Do your benefits continue?
Not automatically. Reservist leave has different benefit rules from most other Ontario ESA leaves.
Your employer is generally not required by the ESA to continue pension, health, dental and similar benefit-plan contributions while you are on reservist leave.
Does the leave count toward seniority?
Yes. Your length of employment, length of service and seniority continue to accumulate while you are on reservist leave.
You can also defer vacation until your protected leave is over.
Do You Get Your Job Back After Reservist Leave?
Yes. Your employer must generally reinstate you to your previous position or a comparable position when reservist leave ends.
Reservist leave has one unusual return-to-work rule: your employer can postpone your reinstatement until the later of:
- Two weeks after your leave ends
- The first pay day after your leave ends
During that postponement period, special benefit protections resume.
Can your employer fire you for taking reservist leave?
No. Your employer can’t threaten, discipline or terminate you because you take or plan to take protected reservist leave.
A termination can still happen for a genuine reason completely unrelated to the leave, such as the legitimate elimination of your position.
For the broader provincial leave framework, see our Leave of Absence Ontario guide.
Reservist Leave Ontario FAQs
How long is reservist leave in Ontario?
There is no fixed maximum. It generally lasts as long as the qualifying deployment, training or related recovery requires.
How long do I need to work before qualifying?
Normally two consecutive months. There is no minimum service requirement for qualifying emergency deployments inside Canada.
Is reservist leave paid?
No. The ESA does not require your civilian employer to pay wages during the leave.
Does military training qualify?
Yes. Canadian Forces military skills training is covered.
Can my employer ask for proof?
Yes. Your employer can request evidence that is reasonable in the circumstances.
Do I get my job back?
Yes. You must generally be returned to your previous or a comparable position, although your employer can postpone reinstatement under the special reservist rules.
Can I be fired for taking reservist leave?
No. Your employer can’t punish or terminate you because you properly exercise this ESA-protected right.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP advises non-unionized Ontario employees dealing with denied protected leave, return-to-work problems, workplace reprisals and termination—and gets the compensation they’re entitled to.