Flexible Working Request (Quebec)
Quebec — ARLS s.59.0.1 / CCQ art. 2087 / Charter of Human Rights
FLEXIBLE WORKING REQUEST
To: [Manager Name] | From: [Employee Name] ([Job Title])
Employer: [Employer Name] | Date: [Request Date]
This request is submitted under the Act respecting labour standards (ARLS, CQLR c N-1.1) s.59.0.1 (advance scheduling notice obligations), CCQ art. 2087 (employer's duty to protect employee health and safety and respect employee dignity), and where applicable, the duty to accommodate under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12) s.10 and s.20. All arrangements will comply with the Charter of the French Language (CQLR c C-11) — all communications and tools will be available in French.
1. PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT
Type of flexible arrangement: [Arrangement Type]
Current schedule: [Current Schedule]
Proposed schedule: [Proposed Schedule]
Proposed start date: [Proposed Start Date] | Duration: [Duration]
2. REASON AND ACCOMMODATION BASIS
Reason for request: [Request Reason]
Where this request is linked to a disability, family status, pregnancy, or religious observance, the employer has a positive duty to accommodate under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12) up to the point of undue hardship (contrainte excessive). The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) enforces this obligation.
Proposed management of operational impact: [Operational Impact Plan]
3. EMPLOYER RESPONSE
Decision: [Employer Decision] | Response date: [Response Date]
[Employer Comments]
If this request is declined where a protected ground is engaged, the employee may file a complaint with the CDPDJ or the TAT (under ARLS s.122 for reprisals). The employer confirms that this decision was not motivated by any prohibited ground under the Quebec Charter.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Both parties acknowledge receipt and agree to the terms outlined above. Any flexible work arrangement approved is subject to periodic review and may be modified if operational requirements materially change, with reasonable notice.
Employee
________________
Signature
Manager / Employer Representative
________________
Signature
What Is a Flexible Working Request (Quebec)?
A Flexible Working Request is a formal legal document used in Quebec for employment relationships, workplace rights, and HR administration. Submit a formal flexible working request in Quebec under the Act respecting labour standards (CQLR c N-1.1) s.59.0.1 and CCQ art. 2087. Covers remote work, reduced hours, compressed schedules, and the employer's duty to accommodate under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12) where disability or family status is involved. This document operates within Quebec's civil law (Civil Code of Quebec) framework and is designed to provide clear legal protection and certainty for all parties involved. In Quebec, this type of document is governed by several key pieces of legislation, including Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ), Act respecting labour standards (LNT), Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (Law 25/LPRPSP), and Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. These laws establish the legal requirements for valid agreements, the rights and obligations of the parties, and the remedies available in case of breach or dispute. Understanding the applicable legal framework is essential for drafting an effective Flexible Working Request that will be enforceable under Quebec law. The importance of having a properly drafted Flexible Working Request cannot be overstated. Without a clear, written agreement, parties risk misunderstandings, disputes, and potential legal liability. A well-drafted Flexible Working Request sets out the terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the parties, including their respective rights, obligations, and the procedures for resolving any disagreements that may arise. It serves as the primary reference point should any questions or disputes occur during the course of the arrangement. In today's regulatory environment in Quebec, compliance with legal requirements is increasingly important. Government bodies such as REQ, CNESST, TAL may require certain documentation to be in place, and failure to comply with applicable regulations can result in penalties, fines, or other adverse consequences. A Flexible Working Request helps confirm that all parties are meeting their legal obligations and provides a clear record of the agreed terms for future reference. Using a standardized Flexible Working Request template offers several practical advantages. It confirms that all essential clauses are included, reduces the time and cost of drafting from scratch, and provides a professional framework that can be customized to suit specific needs. Whether you are an individual, a small business owner, or a large corporation operating in Quebec, having access to a well-structured template confirms consistency and completeness in your legal documentation. Under Quebec law, Article 1385 of the Civil Code of Québec (CCQ) and Article 35 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CQLR c C-25.01) govern the core requirements for this type of document.
The legal framework governing the Flexible Working Request (Quebec) in Quebec draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Quebec law, the Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ) governs contractual obligations and property rights. The Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1) and the Commission des normes, de l'equite, de la sante et de la securite du travail (CNESST) regulate employment. The Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c P-40.1) and the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) protect consumer rights. The Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector governs data privacy through the Commission d'acces a l'information (CAI). Revenu Quebec administers provincial tax obligations. Parties executing a Flexible Working Request (Quebec) in Quebec should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR, c. N-1.1) sets the foundational requirements.
Article 1375 of the Civil Code of Quebec imposes a duty of good faith in contractual performance. Article 1379 of the Civil Code of Quebec defines contracts of adhesion. Article 1432 of the Civil Code of Quebec governs interpretation against the drafter. Article 1457 of the Civil Code of Quebec establishes extra-contractual liability. Article 1458 of the Civil Code of Quebec addresses contractual liability. Section 6 of the Act Respecting Labour Standards of Quebec mandates minimum employment conditions. Section 10 of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms of Quebec prohibits discrimination. The Superior Court of Quebec and the Court of Quebec have jurisdiction over civil disputes arising from agreements governed by Quebec law.
When Do You Need a Flexible Working Request (Quebec)?
A Flexible Working Request is needed whenever parties in Quebec wish to formalize their arrangement regarding employment relationships, workplace rights, and HR administration. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In the employment context, you will typically need a Flexible Working Request when hiring new employees, when changing the terms of existing employment arrangements, when addressing workplace issues, or when managing the departure of staff members. Employers in Quebec have specific legal obligations regarding employment documentation and record-keeping. You should also consider using a Flexible Working Request when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In Quebec, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered best practice and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Flexible Working Request before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in Quebec, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Flexible Working Request is also important. In Quebec, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified. Under Quebec law, Section 79.1 of the Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1) and Article 1385 of the Civil Code of Québec (CCQ) govern the core requirements for this type of document.
What to Include in Your Flexible Working Request (Quebec)
A well-drafted Flexible Working Request for use in Quebec should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in Quebec, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (CAD), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In Quebec, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of Quebec courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of Quebec and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Quebec courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In Quebec, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records. Under Quebec law, Article 1385 of the Civil Code of Québec (CCQ) and Article 35 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CQLR c C-25.01) govern the core requirements for this type of document. Under Quebec law, Section 79.1 of the Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1) and Section 4 of the Business Corporations Act (CQLR c S-31.1) govern the core requirements for this type of document.
Under Quebec law, the Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ) governs contractual obligations and property rights. The Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1) and the Commission des normes, de l'equite, de la sante et de la securite du travail (CNESST) regulate employment. The Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c P-40.1) and the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) protect consumer rights. The Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector governs data privacy through the Commission d'acces a l'information (CAI). Revenu Quebec administers provincial tax obligations. The forms-legal.com Flexible Working Request (Quebec) template covers the mandatory elements under Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR, c. N-1.1).
Article 1590 of the Civil Code of Quebec provides remedies including specific performance and damages. Article 1601 of the Civil Code of Quebec establishes compensatory damages principles. Article 1604 of the Civil Code of Quebec governs the right to resolution. Article 1613 of the Civil Code of Quebec limits damages to foreseeable losses. Article 1623 of the Civil Code of Quebec allows liquidated damages clauses. Article 2803 of the Civil Code of Quebec places the burden of proof on the claiming party. Section 41 of the Consumer Protection Act of Quebec regulates warranty obligations. Section 53 of the Consumer Protection Act of Quebec establishes merchant liability. The Autorite des marches financiers du Quebec supervises financial transactions. The Office de la protection du consommateur du Quebec enforces consumer rights. Forms-legal.com provides this Quebec-compliant template as a starting point.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Flexible Working Request (Quebec) (Quebec) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/quebec/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-quebec
"Flexible Working Request (Quebec) (Quebec)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/quebec/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-quebec.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Flexible Working Request (Quebec) (Quebec)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/quebec/employment/hr-forms/flexible-working-request-quebec}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR, c. N-1.1)}
}Frequently Asked Questions
Quebec does not have a statutory right to request flexible working equivalent to the UK's Employment Rights Act. However, several ARLS provisions affect scheduling flexibility. ARLS s.59.0.1 (added by Bill 176 in 2018) requires employers to give employees at least 5 days' notice of their work schedule and allows employees with 3 months of service to refuse schedule changes with less than 5 days' notice, absent emergency. Where a flexible working request is linked to a disability, pregnancy, family status, or other protected ground, the employer has a positive duty to accommodate under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12, s.10), up to the point of undue hardship (contrainte excessive). The duty to accommodate in Quebec is broadly interpreted and may require significant operational adjustments.
An employer may refuse a flexible working request that is not linked to a protected ground under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (CQLR c C-12) if it has legitimate operational reasons — such as the need for the employee's physical presence to serve clients, the need for real-time team collaboration, or safety requirements. However, where the request is linked to disability, pregnancy, family status (including childcare or eldercare obligations), or religious observance, the employer must demonstrate that accommodating the request would cause undue hardship (contrainte excessive) under s.10 and s.20 of the Charter. Quebec's Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) enforces accommodation obligations and may investigate complaints. The TAT also hears complaints where a refusal amounts to a reprisal under ARLS s.122.
Bill 96 (An Act respecting French, its official and common language in Québec, 2022), which amended the Charter of the French Language (CQLR c C-11), has implications for remote work in Quebec. Employees working remotely from Quebec remain entitled to work in French and to receive all workplace communications, software, and tools in French. Employers cannot require employees to use English-only software or attend meetings conducted exclusively in English as a condition of remote work. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) may investigate complaints regarding French language rights in remote work settings. Remote work agreements and policies applicable to Quebec employees must be provided in French. Under Quebec law, Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR, c. N-1.1), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under Quebec law, the Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ) governs contractual obligations and property rights. The Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR c N-1.1) and the Commission des normes, de l'equite, de la sante et de la securite du travail (CNESST) regulate employment. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Quebec-compliant documentation.
A formal flexible working request in Quebec should include: (1) the employee's name, job title, and department; (2) the type of arrangement requested (remote work, compressed workweek, reduced hours, flexible start/finish times); (3) the current schedule and the proposed new schedule; (4) the proposed effective date and whether the arrangement is temporary or permanent; (5) the reason for the request — and if it is linked to a disability, family status, or other protected ground under the Charter, that should be noted (without requiring excessive disclosure of private health information) to trigger the duty to accommodate; (6) how the employee proposes to manage any operational impact; and (7) a request for a written response from the employer. All documents should be in French or bilingual per the Charter of the French Language (CQLR c C-11).
A Flexible Working Request (Quebec) does not legally require a lawyer in Quebec, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Act Respecting Labour Standards (CQLR, c. N-1.1) does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Quebec lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The Superior Court of Québec has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Registraire des entreprises du Québec may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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