Understanding Independent Contractor Agreements in Canada
In Canada, an independent contractor agreement outlines the terms of a working relationship where one party (the contractor) provides services to another (the client) without being considered an employee. This agreement is crucial for defining responsibilities, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and termination clauses. Properly drafted agreements protect both parties and help avoid future disputes, especially concerning employment status and related legal obligations.
This article presents 21 sample employment letters designed for independent contractors in Canada. These examples cover a wide range of situations and industries. They should not be used “as-is” but rather tailored to the specific needs of each contract and reviewed by legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable provincial and federal laws. Each sample highlights key aspects that need careful consideration when drafting an independent contractor agreement.
Sample Independent Contractor Agreement Letters
Sample 1: General Service Agreement
Date: October 26, 2023
To: John Doe
From: Acme Corp
Dear John,
This letter confirms our agreement for you to provide consulting services to Acme Corp. Your compensation will be $X per hour, payable monthly. This contract begins immediately and concludes on November 26, 2024.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Sample 2: Web Development Project
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Jane Doe
From: Beta Inc.
Dear Jane,
This letter outlines the terms for your web development services on Project Alpha. You’ll receive $Y upon completion of the project milestones, as defined in Exhibit A. The estimated completion date is December 15, 2023.
Sincerely,
Peter Jones
Sample 3: Marketing Consultant
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Robert Brown
From: Gamma Solutions
Dear Robert,
We are pleased to engage you as a marketing consultant. Your role will involve strategy development and implementation. Compensation is $Z per month, payable at the end of each month. This agreement is effective from today and continues until either party provides 30 days’ written notice.
Sincerely,
Sarah Miller
Sample 4: Freelance Writer
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Emily Carter
From: Delta Media
Dear Emily,
This confirms your engagement as a freelance writer. You will be paid $XX per article, subject to our quality standards. We anticipate assigning you approximately 2-3 articles per week.
Sincerely,
David Wilson
Sample 5: Graphic Designer
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Michael Davis
From: Epsilon Designs
Dear Michael,
We’re pleased to contract you as a graphic designer. You’ll be responsible for creating visuals for our new campaign. Payment will be $YY per design, with approval required before final payment. This project has a fixed budget of $5000.
Sincerely,
Laura Green
Sample 6: IT Support
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Kevin White
From: Zeta Tech
Dear Kevin,
This outlines your role as an IT support contractor. You will provide on-site and remote support. The hourly rate is $ZZ, billed in 15-minute increments. A weekly invoice is required.
Sincerely,
Brian Black
Sample 7: Social Media Manager
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Amanda Gray
From: Eta Marketing
Dear Amanda,
We are engaging you as our social media manager. Your responsibilities include content creation and community engagement. You will be paid a monthly retainer of $YYY.
Sincerely,
Carol Blue
Sample 8: Photography Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: David Lee
From: Theta Images
Dear David,
This confirms our agreement for your photography services at our event on November 15, 2023. Your fee is a flat rate of $AAAA, which includes editing and post-processing.
Sincerely,
Frank Gold
Sample 9: Videography Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Jason King
From: Iota Films
Dear Jason,
This outlines the terms for your videography services, including filming and editing. You will receive $AAAA per finished video. We anticipate needing 3 videos per month.
Sincerely,
Grace Silver
Sample 10: Translation Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Maria Lopez
From: Kappa Translations
Dear Maria,
We’re contracting you to provide translation services (English to French). Your rate is $BBB per word. Please indicate your availability for the next week.
Sincerely,
Henry Bronze
Sample 11: Consulting Services (Strategic Planning)
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Michael Johnson
From: Lambda Planning
Dear Michael,
This letter confirms our agreement for you to provide strategic planning consulting services to Lambda Planning. Your compensation will be $XXX per day, plus expenses as pre-approved. The initial engagement is for 3 months.
Sincerely,
Isabelle Copper
Sample 12: Event Planning Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Sarah Wilson
From: Mu Events
Dear Sarah,
We are pleased to engage you as an event planner for our annual gala. Your fee is $CCCCC for the entire project, payable in installments as outlined in Schedule A.
Sincerely,
Jack Iron
Sample 13: Bookkeeping Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Daniel Miller
From: Nu Finances
Dear Daniel,
This confirms your engagement as a bookkeeper. You will provide monthly financial statements. The hourly rate is $YYY, payable within 30 days of invoice.
Sincerely,
Karen Lead
Sample 14: Personal Training Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Olivia Brown
From: Xi Fitness
Dear Olivia,
We are contracting you as a personal trainer at our gym. You will earn a commission of 40% of each session you conduct. You are responsible for your own scheduling.
Sincerely,
Liam Tin
Sample 15: Home Renovation Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Ethan Carter
From: Omicron Renovations
Dear Ethan,
This outlines the terms for your home renovation services on the Smith residence. You will receive $DDDDD upon completion of the agreed-upon work, as per the attached specifications.
Sincerely,
Mia Zinc
Sample 16: Tutoring Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Sophia Davis
From: Pi Tutors
Dear Sophia,
We are engaging you as a tutor for high school math. Your rate is $EEE per hour. You will need to provide weekly progress reports.
Sincerely,
Noah Nickel
Sample 17: Delivery Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Jackson White
From: Rho Deliveries
Dear Jackson,
This confirms your engagement as a delivery driver. You will be paid $FFF per delivery. You are responsible for your own vehicle and insurance.
Sincerely,
Olivia Copper
Sample 18: Landscaping Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Ava Gray
From: Sigma Landscapes
Dear Ava,
We are contracting you to provide landscaping services at various properties. You will be paid $GGG per project. We will provide all necessary equipment.
Sincerely,
Peter Iron
Sample 19: Virtual Assistant Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Isabella Lee
From: Tau Assistants
Dear Isabella,
We are pleased to engage you as a virtual assistant. Your responsibilities include scheduling, email management, and data entry. The hourly rate is $HHH, billed weekly.
Sincerely,
Quinn Lead
Sample 20: Cleaning Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Lucas King
From: Upsilon Cleaning
Dear Lucas,
This confirms your engagement to provide cleaning services for our office. You will be paid $III per cleaning session, occurring twice a week.
Sincerely,
Ryan Tin
Sample 21: Event Photography Services
Date: October 26, 2023
To: Abigail Clark
From: Phi Events
Dear Abigail,
This letter outlines the agreement for your event photography services for our conference. Your fee is $JJJ, including all photos delivered digitally within 7 days.
Sincerely,
Samuel Zinc
Conclusion
These sample independent contractor letters provide a starting point for crafting agreements suitable for various professions in Canada. Remember that each situation is unique, and these examples should be adapted to fit the specific details of your arrangement. Consulting with a legal professional is always recommended to ensure full compliance with Canadian laws and regulations related to independent contractor status. Carefully defining the scope of work, payment terms, and termination clauses will contribute to a successful and legally sound business relationship.
