Key Takeaways
- A written resignation letter isn't mandatory in Quebec, but it's strongly recommended as proof of your decision and its date.
- The usual notice period (often around two weeks) comes from the reasonable notice requirement under article 2091 of the Civil Code of Québec, not a fixed number of days set by law.
- Your employer must still pay you certain amounts when you leave, including accrued vacation pay.
- Resigning can reduce your access to Employment Insurance if it isn't considered the only reasonable option given your circumstances.
Which resignation letter template should you choose for your situation
The right template depends mainly on how much notice you can give your employer and the way you're leaving your position. Here are the most common situations and the type of letter best suited to each.
| Your situation | Recommended template |
| Planned departure with full notice | Standard, brief, and courteous letter |
| Immediate departure (personal reasons, urgency) | Letter explaining the inability to provide notice |
| New job found quickly | Letter with a precise end date and offer of transition |
| Sent remotely or employer hard to reach | Email letter requesting a read receipt |
Resignation with standard notice : This is the most common scenario: you announce your departure a few weeks in advance. The letter stays short, factual, and professional, without a detailed explanation of your reasons.
Resignation without notice : If personal reasons force you to leave immediately, state this clearly and offer, if possible, a minimal transition (handing off files, being available by phone). This limits friction even without full notice.
Resignation for personal reasons : You're never required to detail your reasons in the letter. A general statement is more than enough, the professional relationship is often better off for it.
Resignation by email : An email carries the same weight as a printed letter as long as it's dated and clearly addressed. The next section explains how to choose between email and an in-person resignation.
What should a resignation letter include
An effective resignation letter stays short: four to six sentences is usually enough. Here are the elements to include every time.
- The date the letter is sent
- Your current position and the name of your employer or manager
- A clear statement announcing your resignation
- The date of your last working day, calculated from your notice period
- A brief thank-you (optional but appreciated)
- An offer of transition, if the context calls for it
You don't need to explain your reasons for leaving. Factual content (date, position, last day) is enough to protect both your rights and your employer's.
Is a resignation letter mandatory in Quebec?
No, Quebec law doesn't require a written letter: a resignation announced verbally carries exactly the same legal weight, since the Civil Code of Québec simply requires both employee and employer to give reasonable notice when the employment relationship is indefinite, without specifying any particular form. In practice, however, a written letter is still strongly recommended: it establishes a precise date, avoids misunderstandings about when the notice period begins, and serves as evidence if a disagreement later arises with your employer.
Is notice of resignation mandatory?
Yes, notice is required, but not quite in the way it's often imagined. The Civil Code of Québec requires both employee and employer to give reasonable notice when the employment contract is for an indefinite term, without setting a specific number of days. In practice, this reasonable notice period most often works out to two weeks for a standard position, and longer for management or high-responsibility roles.
Don't confuse this obligation with the table below, which is often cited incorrectly to justify a resignation notice period.
| Seniority (continuous service) | Minimum notice owed by the employer in case of termination |
| 3 months to 1 year | 1 week |
| 1 to 5 years | 2 weeks |
| 5 to 10 years | 4 weeks |
| 10 years and more | 8 weeks |
This scale comes from the notice of termination of employment that the Act Respecting Labour Standards requires an employer to give before ending employment, it therefore does not apply to an employee who resigns.
Another lesser-known nuance: according to a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in Asphalte Desjardins, an employer who receives reasonable notice of resignation cannot end the employment immediately without itself providing notice or equivalent compensation. In practical terms, if your employer would prefer you leave earlier than planned, they generally must continue paying you until the date you originally announced, or pay you the equivalent.
This page presents information in general terms: for a specific situation, consult the CNESST or a labour law professional.
Email or In-Person: How should you announce your resignation?
The law doesn't require any particular form for announcing your resignation, but how you do it can have a lasting effect on your professional relationship. An in-person resignation is generally recommended, especially if you have a good relationship with your manager: it shows respect and leaves room for an open discussion. Email remains a legitimate option when distance, urgency, or a difficult relational context justify it, as long as you stay factual and professional. We cover the full process, from the right time to bring it up to the first words to use, in our article on how to announce your resignation to your employer.
What your employer owes you when you leave
Resigning doesn't cost you any money you've already earned. Your employer must still pay you your salary up to your last working day, along with accrued and unused vacation pay. This compensation equals 4% of gross salary earned during the reference year for an employee with less than three years of continuous service, and 6% for three years or more. It must be paid to you even though you're the one leaving.
As mentioned above, one additional nuance is worth knowing: if your employer chooses to end your employment before the date you announced, compensation for the remainder of the notice period may be added to these amounts. If you disagree with the amounts paid, you can file a complaint with the CNESST to assert your rights.
What impact does resigning have on employment insurance?
A voluntary resignation can indeed limit your access to regular Employment Insurance benefits.
To receive benefits after voluntarily leaving your job, you must show that quitting was the only reasonable option given your circumstances, not simply a good personal reason to leave. A new job already secured, dangerous working conditions, or documented harassment are among the reasons generally recognized.
Conversely, leaving simply out of dissatisfaction without having explored other options can result in a temporary exclusion from benefits. Since every case is assessed individually, it's recommended that you check your situation directly with Service Canada before applying.
Ready for the next step in your career?
Announcing your departure often marks the start of a new chapter, not just the end of another. At Fed Group, our consultants support candidates through this transition every week, from choosing the right time to leave to negotiating your next role. If you're weighing your next move, don't hesitate to connect with one of our consultants specialized in your field.
Your questions about resigning in Quebec
Can I resign during my probationary period?
Yes, nothing prevents an employee on probation from resigning. The same principles of reasonable notice apply, though this period is generally shorter given the short duration of the employment relationship.
Can I withdraw my resignation once it's been given?
This depends entirely on your employer's agreement. Once your resignation has been communicated, it is legally effective; your employer isn't obligated to accept a withdrawal, even though many do so out of flexibility.
Do I have to explain my reason for leaving in my letter?
No, this is never a requirement. A general statement is more than enough; going into detail is a personal choice, not a legal requirement.
Can my employer refuse my resignation?
No, an employer cannot refuse a resignation. They can discuss the notice period or end date, but the decision to leave remains yours.
What should I do if my employer doesn't pay me what I'm owed when I leave?
You can file a complaint with the CNESST, which handles claims related to wages, vacation pay, and unmet notice obligations.
