CDD Saisonnier Model – Fixed-term contract for seasonal employment in Quebec

1. Contract heading

Between the undersigned :

The Employer: [Company name], a company duly incorporated under the laws of Quebec, having its head office at [full address], registered in the enterprise register under number [enterprise number], represented by [name and position of representative], duly authorized for the purposes hereof,

And

The Employee: [Surname and first name], residing at [full address], born on [date of birth], holder of social insurance number [SIN],

Hereinafter collectively referred to as ” the Parties “.

Preamble

WHEREAS the Employer carries on an activity subject to periods of regular seasonal intensity ;

WHEREAS the Employee agrees to be hired to perform specific tasks during this period of seasonal activity;

NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

2. Body of the contract

Article 1 – Purpose of the contract

The purpose of this contract is to govern the employment relationship between the Employer and the Employee in the context of strictly seasonal employment. It is entered into in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Quebec Labour Code and any other relevant legislation. Seasonal activity justifies the use of a fixed-term contract due to the temporary and foreseeable nature of the employment concerned.

Article 2 – Duties entrusted

The Employee is hired as [job title]. He/she will perform the following tasks and duties, under the supervision of [name or function of line manager]: participate in operational activities relating to the position, apply the company’s internal procedures, ensure the quality of service or production in accordance with current standards, and collaborate with other team members in a spirit of responsibility and mutual assistance. The Employee undertakes to perform these tasks with diligence, loyalty and professionalism.

Article 3 – Place of work

The Employee will perform his duties at the establishment located at [full address of the workplace]. However, it is expressly agreed that the Employee may be required, depending on the Employer’s needs, to temporarily perform his duties on another site or at another location, within reasonable limits and subject to compliance with legal provisions relating to professional mobility.

Article 4 – Contract duration

The present contract is concluded for a fixed period starting on [start date] and ending on [end date]. This period corresponds to the Employer’s business season and may not be extended without the express written agreement of the Parties. At the end of this period, the contract will automatically terminate, without the need for any termination formalities or the payment of a termination indemnity.

Article 5 – Working hours and working time

The Employee will work a weekly schedule of [number of hours] hours spread over [number of days] days. The daily schedule will be specified to the Employee when he/she starts work. The Employer may decide to make any exceptional changes to the usual working hours, depending on the requirements of seasonal activity and in compliance with current labor standards. The Employee undertakes to show reasonable flexibility, given the seasonal and sometimes fluctuating nature of the workload.

Article 6 – Remuneration

In consideration of the performance of his duties, the Employee will receive gross compensation of [amount in Canadian dollars] per [hour/day/week], paid according to the company’s usual schedule. This remuneration includes all elements due in respect of seasonal employment, and will be subject to the compulsory deductions provided for by law, notably in respect of social security contributions and taxes. Any additional bonus or benefit must be the subject of a specific clause in the present contract or of a separate written agreement.

Article 7 – Leave and absences

The Employee shall be entitled to the leave provided for by the labour laws in force in Québec, taking into account the fixed duration of the contract. Leave will be granted in accordance with the slack periods of seasonal activity and must be authorized by the Employer. In the event of unjustified or unauthorized absence, salary deductions may be made in accordance with legal provisions. Any absence for health reasons must be supported by a valid medical certificate and sent to the Employer as soon as possible.

Article 8 – Early termination of contract

Either party may terminate the contract early in the event of serious misconduct or serious cause, in accordance with applicable labor standards. In the absence of misconduct or good cause, early termination of the contract shall be subject to a notice period of [number of days] days. The Employer reserves the right to exempt the Employee from serving the notice period, subject to payment of compensation equivalent to the remuneration corresponding to this period. Early termination of the contract must be confirmed in writing.

Article 9 – Final provisions

This contract is governed by the laws in force in the province of [name of province] and in particular by the provisions of the Act respecting labour standards in Quebec. Any provision not expressly provided for in this contract shall be interpreted in light of the applicable legal rules. The Employee acknowledges that he/she has read the company’s internal regulations and policies, as well as its rights and obligations, and undertakes to comply with them throughout the performance of this contract.

3. Signature and conclusion

Signature of the parties

Done at [City], on [Date].

• For the Employer: [Name and signature of authorized representative]
• For the Employee: [Name and signature]

Each party acknowledges having received a copy of this contract.

Conclusion

The seasonal fixed-term contract is an essential legal tool for managing temporary employment relationships linked to periods of seasonal activity, particularly in the hotel, agricultural, tourism and restaurant sectors. By offering a clear structure tailored to the requirements of Quebec labor law, this model aims to protect the rights of both employer and employee.

As a reminder, the key points to be respected when drafting or using a seasonal CDD are :

• Explicitly define the seasonal nature of the position, in order to justify the fixed term of the contract in accordance with the Act respecting labour standards (LSA).
• Precisely define the duties, duration and remuneration in the body of the contract, to avoid any unfavorable interpretation in the event of a dispute.
• Respect early termination conditions and inform employees of their rights in terms of vacations, working hours and safety at work.
• Ensure that all mandatory information is included: names of parties, precise dates, position, remuneration, place of work, signature, etc.

A good contract not only anticipates conflicts, but also reinforces transparency and trust between the parties.

Practical advice

Before any seasonal hiring, it’s a good idea to have the contract template validated by a lawyer, especially if you’re a company operating in several provinces, or if the position involves any special features (mobility, housing provided, variable hours). Using the ready-to-use template on avocat-montreal.ca saves you time, while complying with Canadian legal requirements.

Legal sources and useful references

• Act respecting labour standards (LSA) – Government of Quebec: www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca
• Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) – Information on employment contracts: www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca
• Civil Code of Quebec – Contract provisions: www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca

This template has been written by a practicing lawyer to help employers and seasonal workers conclude a contract that complies with Quebec law.