Federal Reservist Leave — Keep Your Job While You Serve in the Reserve Force
What Is It?
Federally regulated workers who are reservists may have protected leave rights for eligible military service instead of having to choose between service and civilian employment.
Do I Qualify?
- You work in a federally regulated workplace
- You are a member of the Reserve Force
- Your leave is for eligible Reserve Force service or related duties covered by the Code
- You can give the required notice or explain why notice was not possible
How To Use It
- Confirm your service falls within the Reserve Force leave rules.
- Give written notice to your employer as early as possible.
- Keep military documentation showing the service requirement.
- Document your return-to-work timing and any employer response.
What Most People Don’t Know
- This right is especially useful for workers who assume military service is protected only by employer goodwill.
- Notice rules matter, so earlier written notice is safer when possible.
- The Code is a baseline; some employers offer more generous military leave policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this automatic?
A: No. You should request the leave and keep proof of the service requirement.
What documents help most?
A: Military orders or service documentation and written notice to the employer are key.
Where do I start?
A: Start with the federal labour standards page and your service documents.
What is the biggest trap?
A: The biggest trap is relying on an informal conversation and not making a clear Code-based request.