Add Comment Question: I’m seeking independent legal advice regarding the interpretation of vacation entitlement language in my employment offer letter and internal policies. My offer letter states: “The Firm provides for three weeks of paid vacation annually within the first five years and four weeks annually thereafter.” However, a member of my firm’s People and Culture team advised that the increased vacation entitlement only applies after completion of five full years of employment. They also noted that the vacation policy posted on our internal HUB was outdated. The old policy stated: From the start of employment to the completion of the 4th year of employment – entitlement of 3 weeks (15 working days) of vacation per annum or 6% vacation pay. From the start of the 5th year of employment, employees will be entitled to four weeks (20 working days) of vacation per annum or 8% vacation pay. To me, the phrase “within the first five years” in the offer letter does not mean the same thing as “upon completion of five years.” The former suggests the entitlement applies during the fifth year, whereas the latter implies it only applies after the full five years have passed. I would like to confirm how this wording is typically interpreted under British Columbia employment law and whether it’s reasonable to expect the increased vacation entitlement at the start of the fifth year rather than only after completing it. Answer: The interpretation of wording in an employment contract will depend on the context within which the wording is found. While your interpretation sounds reasonable, we cannot say whether you are correct with certainly without being able to independently review the contract. We strongly advise you to book a consultation for a contract review as soon as possible. Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.