Skip to content
Resignation Templates

Free · Canada · Not legal advice

Resignation Letter (Canada)

A Canadian resignation letter confirms your resignation and last working day in writing. Two weeks is the common professional norm — copy the template below, then check your contract and your province's rules.

How much notice to give in Canada

Most provincial employment standards set the minimum notice an employer must give you — they say less about how much notice you must give when you resign. In practice, the notice you owe is governed by your employment contract, and where the contract is silent, by common-law “reasonable notice.” Two weeks is the widely accepted professional standard, but senior or specialised roles may warrant more.

  • Two weeks is the common professional norm for resigning.
  • Your employment contract can set a specific notice period — follow it if it does.
  • Provincial/territorial employment standards mainly govern employer-side notice.
  • Federally regulated jobs follow the Canada Labour Code instead of a provincial ESA.
  • Ask about your final pay and any vacation pay owing on departure.

For the official position, check your province or territory's employment standards (or the Canada Labour Code if you are federally regulated) and your employment contract.

Standard Canadian resignation letter

Dear Alex Rivera,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Marketing Coordinator at Acme Inc. My last working day will be October 3, 2026, providing two weeks' notice.

Thank you for the opportunities and support during my time here. I will complete outstanding work and assist with the transition before my departure.

Sincerely,
Jordan Lee

Short Canadian resignation letter

Dear Alex Rivera,

I am resigning from my position as Marketing Coordinator at Acme Inc. My last working day will be October 3, 2026.

Thank you. I am happy to help with a smooth handover.

Sincerely,
Jordan Lee

Prefer to build your own wording? Use the resignation letter generator and adjust the tone, names, and dates.

Wording and format in Canada

In Canada, employment standards are mostly set province by province (with the Canada Labour Code covering federally regulated jobs). Letters usually open with “Dear [Name]” and close with “Sincerely.” Canadian workplaces commonly use the month-day-year date format, for example October 3, 2026.

What to do

  • Give at least two weeks' notice unless your contract says otherwise
  • State your resignation and exact last working day in writing
  • Ask about final pay and any vacation pay owing
  • Offer a practical handover before you leave

What to leave out

  • Ignoring a longer notice period set in your contract
  • Including complaints or grievances in the letter
  • Leaving without a dated written record

Canada resignation letter FAQ

How much notice should I give when resigning in Canada?

Two weeks is the widely accepted professional standard. If your employment contract sets a specific notice period, follow it. Provincial employment standards mostly govern employer-side notice rather than resignations. This is general information, not legal advice.

Do the rules differ by province?

Yes. Employment standards are set by each province and territory, and federally regulated jobs follow the Canada Labour Code. Check the rules that apply to your job, along with your contract.

Do I have to give a reason for resigning?

No. You do not need to explain your reasons. A short, professional letter confirming your last working day is enough.

Can I resign by email in Canada?

Usually yes, unless your contract requires a specific method. Email gives you a clear dated record of when you gave notice.

Related templates