The publication canvasses all the major L&E legal issues in this jurisdiction; it is meant to be a handy manual to help clients navigate the distinct civil law legal system and French-speaking environment of the province of Québec.

In Québec as in other Canadian provinces, laws dealing with employment matters come within the jurisdiction of the local legislature (called the "National Assembly" in Québec), except where employment in a work or undertaking falls within one of the heads of federal law-making power of the Parliament of Canada. The latter include aeronautics, shipping and navigation, longshoring (stevedoring) activities, national railways, banking, inter-provincial and international bus and transport companies, radio and television broadcasting, cable TV and other forms of telecommunications, operations which are declared to be for the general advantage of Canada or two or more provinces (such as grain elevators and nuclear facilities) and any other business which is an integral and essential part of a federal work or undertaking.

The federal Parliament has exclusive jurisdiction over employment insurance benefits and bankruptcy, whereas workers' compensation is a provincial matter.

Distinct federal and provincial legislation and regulations exist governing minimum labour standards, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, human rights, collective dismissal, pay equity, protection of personal information, pension plans and successor rights and obligations, all of which provisions apply separately to federally and provincially-regulated employers.

Since this document provides only an overview of Québec's provincial legislation and regulations, employers operating in Québec, or contemplating carrying on business in Québec, should consult with their professional advisors to determine their specific rights and obligations under applicable statutes and regulations. Employers falling under federal jurisdiction should exercise particular care, as many of the statutes and regulations reviewed in this paper do not apply to them.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.