British Columbia does not yet have a formal Right to Disconnect law like Ontario — but the idea is gaining traction nationwide. With more people working remotely or on flexible schedules, many employees in BC are asking the same question:
“Can my employer contact me after hours — and do I have to respond?”
Here’s what you need to know about the Right to Disconnect in BC, how it compares to Ontario’s law, and what protections you already have under existing employment standards.
The right to disconnect refers to the ability of employees to disconnect from work-related communications — such as emails, phone calls, or messages — outside regular working hours.
The goal is to prevent burnout and promote better work-life balance in an era where technology keeps workers constantly connected.
No.
As of 2025, there is no Right to Disconnect law in BC or any requirement under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) for employers to have a written policy on after-hours communication.
Ontario remains the only province in Canada with specific legislation requiring certain employers to create a written “disconnecting from work” policy.
However, the federal government and several provinces — including British Columbia — have discussed following suit. The BC Federation of Labour and employee-rights advocates continue to call for similar protections for provincial workers.
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