Yes. But only for certain things. NOTE: The law changed on November 1, 2020 to allow deductions for overpayment of earnings due to a payroll calculation error and for vacation pay paid in advance of the employee being entitled to it. The new law is below. The new law only applies to overpayments of earnings or vacation pay advances paid November 1st or after. Contact Employment Standards for questions about the old law. An employer can legally deduct the following from an employee’s wages: statutory deductions (income taxes, Canada Pension Plan deductions, Employment Insurance premiums) money owing by law or under a judgment or court order (for example, if someone garnishes your account to pay back a debt you owe) amounts allowed under a collective agreement (such as union dues) overpayment of earnings paid due to a payroll calculation error (only within 6 months of the overpayment) vacation pay paid in advance of you being entitled to it amounts for food and lodging if you agree to it (the minimum wage can be reduced by $3.35 for every meal consumed and by $4.41 for lodging per day) any other amount you agree to in writing (with some exceptions - see the next question) If an employer is deducting money to recover an overpayment of earnings due to a payroll calculation error or vacation paid in advance of you being entitled to it, they must give you written notice before making the deduction. Last Reviewed: November 2020