Commission des normes de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)

Services

● Documentation centre: Publications containing legal information on topics related to labour standards. Available free of charge. Offered in the form of information kits and video capsules, online and through their electronic system by telephone (24/7). Some publications can be ordered in paper format.

● Legal information on the Act Respecting Labour Standards, its regulations, the National Holiday Act and the procedures for filing a complaint with the Commission. Available free of charge. Service provided by telephone and through their website by submitting an information request.

● Processing of complaints from employees against employers who fail to comply with the Act Respecting Labour Standards. Investigation and mediation between employee and employer following the filing of a complaint. Intended for employees. Available free of charge. To file a complaint, go to their website to submit a complaint online, and an agent will contact you.

● Representation of employees before the Commission des relations du travail (labour relations board) and before the civil courts. Available free of charge if the complaint is deemed admissible. Service provided in person by appointment at regional offices.

● Legal information sessions to give employers a better understanding of the Act Respecting Labour Standards and to help them acquire abilities for applying it. Intended for employers. Visit the website to register online.

● List of employers who have violated the Act Respecting Labour Standards. Available free of charge. Visit the website.

LABOUR STANDARDS:
• Conducting information, awareness and prevention activities on labour standards and the Fête nationale.
• Overseeing enforcement of the Act Respecting Labour Standards and the National Holiday Act.
• Receiving complaints filed under the Act Respecting Labour Standards and the National Holiday Act and assessing their admissibility.
• Taking an initial step toward resolving a dispute or conducting an investigation.
• Setting the amount in a labour standards claim and requesting its settlement.
• Providing mediation service when remedy is sought for a prohibited practice, for dismissal without just cause or for psychological harassment.
• Representing an employee before the courts or before the Tribunal administratif du travail (administrative labour tribunal).

PAY EQUITY:
• Distributing information on the Pay Equity Act and its enforcement.
• Providing assistance to businesses in implementing and maintaining pay equity.
• Offering advisory support service to employers, accredited associations, employees and any other organization or person.
• Holding training sessions with our client groups.
• Offering a conciliation service following a complaint or dispute related to the Pay Equity Act.
• Investigating on our own initiative or following a complaint or dispute related to the Pay Equity Act.
• Issuing rulings in accordance with the provisions of the Pay Equity Act and overseeing their enforcement.

VOCATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY:
• Supporting employers and workers in their efforts to make their workplaces safer.
• Inspecting workplaces to ensure compliance with the rights and obligations set out in the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety.
• Providing information on hazards involving specific workplaces.
• Compensating workers who have suffered occupational injuries, and reimbursing the eligible expenses incurred.
• Ensuring that workers who have suffered occupational injuries receive the necessary medical and rehabilitation assistance.
• Working with employers to ensure a prompt and lasting return to work for workers who have suffered occupational injuries.
• Registering and establishing provisions for insurance coverage of employers.
• Guiding employers in applying and monitoring the provisions of their insurance coverage.

Contact details