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Offer letter for fixed term contract template

An offer for a contract with an end date. Free for Canadian employers. Fill in the [HIGHLIGHTED] blanks and remove anything that doesn't apply.

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Have it reviewed before you use it. Letters and agreements about pay, notice and termination must meet your province's employment standards. Ask an employment lawyer or HR professional in your province to check your final version.

USAGE NOTE FOR EMPLOYERS
When to use: Use this letter when offering temporary, fixed-term employment to a selected candidate for a specific project, seasonal surge, or defined leave coverage.
Authorized Sign-off: Must be signed by [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].
Attachments Required: Position job description and standard workplace policy acknowledgement.
Delivery Method: Send electronically via secure email or deliver in person. Obtain verifiable proof of delivery or receipt.
Record Keeping: Retain the signed acceptance letter and job description in the personnel record at [FILE_LOCATION] for [RETENTION_PERIOD].
Important Legal Notice: Fixed-term employment contracts require clear term language to avoid common-law indefinite employment liability. Review applicable employment standards or consult legal counsel before issuance to ensure statutory compliance in [PROVINCE].


[ORGANIZATION_NAME]
[WORK_LOCATION]
[PROVINCE]

Date: [EFFECTIVE_DATE]

To: [EMPLOYEE_NAME]
[WORK_LOCATION]

Delivery Method: Delivered by email and personal delivery
Re: Offer of Fixed-Term Employment — [JOB_TITLE]

Dear [EMPLOYEE_NAME],

1. Recipient & Purpose

[ORGANIZATION_NAME] is pleased to offer you the temporary position of [JOB_TITLE]. This employment offer is for a defined, fixed-term period starting on [START_DATE] and concluding automatically on [END_DATE].

This role is classified under National Occupational Classification code [NOC_CODE]. You will report directly to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE]. The purpose of this fixed-term engagement is to provide operational support during a defined project or coverage period.

2. Key Facts

The specific terms, working conditions, and compensation structure for this position are set out below:

Fixed-Term Employment Terms Summary

Term Category Specification Administrative Reference
Position Title [JOB_TITLE] NOC [NOC_CODE]
Position Scope Fixed-term contract Temporary coverage / project support
Start Date [START_DATE] Initial contract day
End Date [END_DATE] Automatic contract conclusion
Reporting Line [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] Operational supervisor
Primary Work Location [WORK_LOCATION] Reporting site
Standard Work Schedule [WORK_SCHEDULE] Core scheduled hours
Overtime Status [OVERTIME_ELIGIBILITY] Statutory rules apply
Remuneration [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] Gross pay rate
Pay Schedule [PAY_FREQUENCY] Processed via [PAYROLL_SYSTEM]
Benefit Coverage [BENEFIT_PLAN_NAME] Subject to [WAITING_PERIOD]

2.1 Remuneration and Statutory Entitlements

Your compensation will be [SALARY_RANGE_MIN], payable on a [PAY_FREQUENCY] basis through direct deposit via [PAYROLL_SYSTEM]. All payments are subject to standard statutory deductions. Vacation pay, statutory holiday pay, and public leaves will be administered in strict accordance with the applicable employment standards legislation in [PROVINCE].

2.2 End of Contract and Termination

Your employment will automatically end on [END_DATE] without the requirement of further notice or pay in lieu, except where required by applicable employment standards. If [ORGANIZATION_NAME] ends this agreement before [END_DATE] without cause, the organization will provide notice, pay in lieu of notice, or statutory termination pay in accordance with governing standards in [PROVINCE]. Have employment counsel in [PROVINCE] draft or review this clause before use.

3. Required Action or Confirmation

To accept this offer of employment, review the terms, sign the acceptance section below, and return the executed letter along with the requested onboarding documentation to [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] business days of receipt.

If you require workplace or application accommodations due to a disability or human rights ground during onboarding, contact [POLICY_OWNER_TITLE] immediately to initiate the accommodation process.

If this signed letter is not received by [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] business days from the date of issuance, this offer will expire automatically unless an extension is granted in writing by [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].

4. Effective Date

This agreement takes effect on [START_DATE] upon full execution by both parties and concludes on [END_DATE]. There is no reasonable expectation of renewal, contract extension, or transition to permanent employment beyond [END_DATE]. Any extension must be executed in writing as a formal contract amendment signed by [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].

5. Authorization & Contact

This offer is authorized by [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. If you have questions regarding your position duties, onboarding schedule, or payroll setup, contact the designated representative below.

Sincerely,


[OWNER_OR_MANAGER]
[POLICY_OWNER_TITLE], [ORGANIZATION_NAME]
[WORK_LOCATION]


Employee Acceptance and Acknowledgment

I, [EMPLOYEE_NAME], have read, understood, and accept the offer of fixed-term employment for the position of [JOB_TITLE] with [ORGANIZATION_NAME] under the terms outlined in this letter. I acknowledge that my employment will conclude on [END_DATE].


Signature of Candidate


Date


Variant Guidance

Fixed-Term Offer Letter Variants

Variant Name Operational Context Key Modifications Needed
Project-Based Contract Defined deliverable or temporary funding grant. Insert project milestones and link [END_DATE] to project completion criteria.
Statutory Leave Replacement Temporary coverage for parental, medical, or educational leave. Add a clause stating the contract may conclude early upon the return of the incumbent employee with statutory notice.
Remote or Hybrid Contract Role performed outside standard facility. Update [WORK_LOCATION] with designated remote work parameters and equipment return terms.

Pre-Send Checklist

  • [ ] Verify that [JOB_TITLE] matches the approved organizational requisition and standard NOC classification.
  • [ ] Confirm that [START_DATE] and [END_DATE] are fully accurate and aligned with the operational need.
  • [ ] Validate that compensation rate [SALARY_RANGE_MIN] meets or exceeds minimum statutory wage requirements in [PROVINCE].
  • [ ] Confirm the overtime eligibility status [OVERTIME_ELIGIBILITY] against applicable statutory definitions.
  • [ ] Ensure that accommodation information is clearly available to the recipient.
  • [ ] Attach the formal job description and relevant workplace safety procedures.
  • [ ] Confirm the acceptance deadline [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] is clearly indicated.
  • [ ] Ensure [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] signs the document prior to delivery.

What to fill in

Placeholder What to enter Who provides it Required?
[BENEFIT_PLAN_NAME] Name of applicable benefits package or "None/Ineligible" Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[EFFECTIVE_DATE] Date the letter is issued or signed Letter Author Yes
[EMPLOYEE_NAME] Full legal name of the prospective candidate Candidate / HR Yes
[END_DATE] Definitive end date of the fixed-term contract Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[FILE_LOCATION] Digital or physical personnel filing path Letter Author Yes
[JOB_TITLE] Formal operational title of the position Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[N_BUSINESS_DAYS] Number of business days allowed to return signed acceptance Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[NOC_CODE] National Occupational Classification 5-digit code Hiring Manager / HR Yes
[ORGANIZATION_NAME] Operating name of the business entity Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[OVERTIME_ELIGIBILITY] Overtime status under [PROVINCE] employment standards (e.g., Eligible, or Not eligible under a managerial or other exclusion) Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[PAYROLL_SYSTEM] Name of payroll processing software or provider Letter Author Yes
[PAY_FREQUENCY] Pay cycle (e.g., Bi-weekly, Semi-monthly) Payroll / Owner Yes
[POLICY_OWNER_TITLE] Title of person managing HR/employment policies Letter Author Yes
[PROVINCE] Canadian province or territory of employment Letter Author Yes
[REPORTS_TO_TITLE] Job title of the candidate's direct supervisor Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[RETENTION_PERIOD] Document retention duration (e.g., 7 years) Letter Author Yes
[SALARY_RANGE_MIN] Agreed gross wage rate (e.g., hourly wage or salary) Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[START_DATE] Official first day of employment Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[WAITING_PERIOD] Benefit eligibility waiting period or "N/A" Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[WORK_LOCATION] Operating address or designated work location Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[WORK_SCHEDULE] Core hours of work (e.g., 37.5 hours per week) Hiring Manager / Owner Yes
[OWNER_OR_MANAGER] Name of authorizing owner or operational manager Hiring Manager / Owner Yes

Official sources

Government and professional sources this template was checked against.

This template is general information for Canadian employers, not legal advice. Employment standards, human rights and privacy rules differ by province. Check them before you use it.

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