Other ways of rewarding my nanny.

You manage no problem with the biweekly or monthly payment of your nanny's earnings, but you want to give her a little some extra for christmas, for her holidays, or to reward her work?
Still some administrative subtleties to master before becoming a seasoned employer!  
Here is how to treat a raise or bonus on the payroll, while staying within the law. 

Raises or salary increases

Raises or increases to an employee's wages are given at the discretion of the employer and are not required. Raises are only required in order to keep the salary at minimum wage in the case of an increase to the provincial minimum wage. 

If you have signed a contract with your nanny, you may wish to reconsider her salary or hourly rate of pay upon renewal of the contract. For example, if you signed a one-year contract with your nanny but things have gone well and you wish to keep her, you might offer an increase on her hourly rate-of-pay.

Your nanny may also ask for a raise. In this case, it is up to you to decide whether you will agree to her request but you should handle her request with respect whatever your decision may be.

Occasionally rewarding my nanny

You want to reward your nanny or win her loyalty, but you do not want to increase her wages permanently? Several methods are available:

Bonuses

The bonus is given in GROSS terms; it is therefore subject to payroll deductions.

On the payslip the bonus should be explained. Bonuses are subjected to different rates of tax, CPP and EI than regular wages. You can read more about how to calculate these deductions on employee bonuses here.

You will have to include the amount of deductions made when you pay your monthly payroll remittances to the CRA.

Gifts

- Gifts and awards are not subjected to income taxes or other payroll deductions, with certain limitations. An employer can give their employee up to two gifts (max. $500 total value) and two awards (max $500 total value) in one calendar year.
- Above this maximum amount, taxes and deductions are applicable.

 Unlike cash, gifts can be deducted from the employer's income when reporting their taxes.

Erin at Working Mother Chronicles offers some gift ideas for child care providers on her blog here - a must read!