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Statutory Holidays in Canada: 2024 Updates
Canada has federal and provincial/territorial statutory holidays, providing paid time off for workers nationwide. However, the specific days, eligibility rules, pay calculations, and observance regulations vary between regions, municipalities, industries, and employment types.
This extensive guide will explain everything Canadian employers and employees need to know about statutory holidays in Canada, including pay, observance, dates, and regulations for 2024.
Introduction to Statutory Holidays in Canada
Canada has nine nationwide statutory holidays celebrated by federal employees and non-federally regulated workers. However, provinces, territories and municipalities can officially recognize different dates, with each jurisdiction specifying its unique rules and regulations surrounding statutory holiday entitlements and observances.
This guide will break down the critical details of statutory holidays in Canada, including:
- Common national statutory holidays
- Provincial and territorial statutory holidays
- Municipal and regional holidays
- Statutory holiday dates for 2024
- Eligibility requirements
- Pay calculation formulas
- Observance rules
- Exemptions and special cases
- Key takeaways
It is always recommended to consult your specific provincial labour regulations to confirm statutory entitlements, as the information can vary between regions.
What are Statutory Holidays in Canada?
Statutory holidays, also known as public or general holidays, refer to legislated holidays in Canada that require employers to provide paid time off to employees.
On statutory holidays, eligible employees are entitled to take the day off with pay, meaning they receive their regular wages for the day even though they do not work. Statutory holiday pay is calculated as a percentage of the employee’s average daily wage.
Statutory holidays are distinct from other public holidays that are commemorated without mandated paid time off. They are legislated holidays requiring employers to provide eligible staff a day of paid vacation through employment standards legislation.
This contrasts with public bank holidays, which close financial institutions without requiring paid employee leave.
Read more: Employee benefits in Canada
Common National Statutory Holidays in Canada
There are five nationwide statutory holidays celebrated across Canada:
New Year’s Day
- January 1st
- Observed on the following Monday if it falls on a weekend
Good Friday
- The Friday before Easter Sunday
- Not observed in Quebec – Easter Monday, instead
Canada Day
- July 1st
- Known as Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Observed on the following Monday if it falls on a Sunday
Labour Day
- First Monday of September
Christmas Day
- December 25th
- Observed on the following Monday or Tuesday if it falls on a weekend
Boxing Day (December 26th) and Remembrance Day (November 11th) are not statutory holidays nationwide.
Provincial and Territorial Statutory Holidays
In addition to the standard national holidays, every Canadian province and territory recognizes its unique statutory holidays:
British Columbia
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- Victoria Day
- British Columbia Day – First Monday in August
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Alberta
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- Victoria Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Saskatchewan
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- Victoria Day
- Saskatchewan Day – First Monday in August
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Manitoba
- Louis Riel Day – Third Monday in February
- Victoria Day
- Thanksgiving Day
Ontario
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- Victoria Day
- Thanksgiving Day
Quebec
- National Patriots’ Day – Monday preceding May 25th
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day – June 24th
- Thanksgiving Day
New Brunswick
- Family Day – Third Monday in February
- New Brunswick Day – First Monday in August
- Remembrance Day
Nova Scotia
- Heritage Day – Third Monday in February
Prince Edward Island
- Islander Day – Third Monday in February
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30th
- Remembrance Day
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Discovery Day – Monday nearest June 24th
- Memorial Day – July 1st
- Remembrance Day – Monday nearest November 11th
Yukon
- Victoria Day
- National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21st
- Discovery Day – Third Monday in August
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Northwest Territories
- Victoria Day
- National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21st
- Civic Holiday – First Monday in August
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Nunavut
- Victoria Day
- Nunavut Day – July 9th
- Civic Holiday
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
Municipal and Regional Statutory Holidays
Some municipalities and regions also recognize local statutory holidays:
Ontario
- Simcoe Day – First Monday in August (Toronto and Toronto District School Board)
Quebec
- Aboriginal Day – Varies (some school boards)
Key 2024 Statutory Holiday Dates in Canada
Here are the statutory holiday dates to be aware of across Canada in 2024:
| Holiday | 2024 Date | Provinces Observing |
| New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1st | Nationwide |
| Family Day | Monday, February 19th | AB, BC, SK, ON, NB |
| Islander Day | Monday, February 19th | PEI |
| Louis Riel Day | Monday, February 19th | MB |
| Heritage Day | Monday, February 19th | NS |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 29th | Nationwide except QC |
| Easter Monday | Monday, April 1st | QC |
| Victoria Day | Monday, May 20th | Nationwide except NB, NL, NS, PEI |
| National Patriots’ Day | Monday, May 20th | QC |
| Discovery Day | Monday, June 24th | NL |
| Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day | Monday, June 24th | QC |
| Canada Day | Monday, July 1st | Nationwide |
| Memorial Day | Monday, July 1st | NL |
| Nunavut Day | Tuesday, July 9th | NU |
| New Brunswick Day | Monday, August 5th | NB |
| Civic Holiday | Monday, August 5th | AB, BC, NT, NU, SK, YT |
| Discovery Day | Monday, August 19th | YT |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 2nd | Nationwide |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Monday, September 30th | Nationwide except AB, NU, NT, YT |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 14th | Nationwide except NB, NL, NS, PEI |
| Remembrance Day | Monday, November 11th | Nationwide except NL, NS, QC |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25th | Nationwide |
Employee Eligibility for Statutory Holidays in Canada
Eligibility for statutory holiday entitlements depends on the province and employment specifics:
Length of Service
Most provinces require employees to be employed for a certain period before qualifying for public holiday pay:
- 30 calendar days in AB, MB, ON, QC, SK
- 90 calendar days in NB, NL, NT, NU
- No minimum in BC, NS, PEI, YT
Employment Status
Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and casual employees who meet the length of service requirements are typically eligible.
Work Schedule
Employees must usually work their shifts before and after the holiday to qualify, except for excused absences.
Calculating Statutory Holiday Pay in Canada
Statutory holiday pay entitlements are calculated based on regular wages:
Hourly Employees
Receive their regular hourly wage x number of hours usually worked.
Salaried Employees
Receive regular salary with day off.
Commission/Piecework Employees
Receive average daily wages from the prior pay period.
Standard Holiday Pay Formula
1/20th of regular wages in the four weeks prior to the holiday
Vacation Pay
Any vacation pay is included in the holiday pay calculation.
Overtime
Overtime wages are excluded from statutory holiday pay calculations
Always consult your provincial labour regulations for the specific holiday pay calculation formula and details.
Read more: Minimum Wage in Canada 2024
Observing Statutory Holidays in Canada
Statutory holidays sometimes fall on non-working days or weekends. Here are the standard observance rules:
Weekend Holidays
If a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday:
- It is usually observed on the following Monday
- This applies to holidays like New Year’s Day, Canada Day, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day
However, some exceptions are:
- When Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the following Monday, December 26th
- When Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Tuesday, December 26th
- Boxing Day is only observed on December 26th, so if it falls on a weekend, it is not observed
Holidays During Employee Leave
If a statutory holiday occurs during an employee’s vacation or leave period:
- Federally regulated employees are still entitled to holiday pay
- Pay is calculated as an average of regular daily earnings
- This applies to vacation, personal leave, bereavement leave, and family violence leave
Working on a Holiday
If an employee works on a statutory holiday:
- They must receive 1.5 times regular wages
- Or receive regular wages plus future substitute days off
Continuous Operations
Have three pay options for employees working holidays:
- 1.5 times regular wages plus holiday pay
- Regular wages plus substitute day off
- Regular wages for the next non-working day
Exemptions from Statutory Holidays in Canada
Some employees may be exempt from standard public holiday entitlements:
- Managers and professionals
- Sales staff with irregular hours
- Jobs under collective agreements
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers
- Continuous operations employees
- Crown corporations, hospitals, municipal/provincial governments
Always check your province’s employment standards for exemptions specific to your jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways for Statutory Holidays in Canada
- There are 5 nationwide statutory holidays – New Year’s, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas
- Every province and territory celebrates additional unique holidays
- Municipalities may also observe local public holidays
- Eligibility rules, pay calculation, observance, and exemptions vary across regions
- Holiday dates change yearly – always verify specific statutory holiday calendars
- Consult your provincial labour regulations for statutory holiday details
Statutory holiday entitlements, pay rates, observance rules, and eligibility vary significantly across Canada based on employment status, province/territory, municipality, and industry.
Both employers and employees should always verify their statutory holiday details each year – don’t rely on national rules or past precedent. Compliance with the specific provincial, territorial and municipal labour regulations is essential for proper public holiday observance and pay in Canada.
FAQs Related to Statutory Holidays in Canada for 2024
How many statutory holidays are there in Canada?
There are 5 nationwide statutory holidays - New Year's Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. Additionally, each province and territory observes between 5-12 unique statutory holidays.
What are the statutory holidays in Ontario in 2024?
The statutory holidays in Ontario for 2024 are:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Family Day (February 19)
Good Friday (March 29)
Victoria Day (May 20)
Canada Day (July 1)
Labour Day (September 2)
Thanksgiving Day (October 14)
Christmas Day (December 25)
When is Family Day in Canada 2024?
Family Day for 2024 takes place on Monday, February 19 in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and New Brunswick. The exact date can vary by province.
Do part-time employees get paid for statutory holidays?
Yes, part-time employees are entitled to public holiday pay in most provinces, provided they meet the eligibility requirements such as length of service. The amount may be prorated based on typical hours worked.
How is public holiday pay calculated in Canada?
The standard formula is 1/20th of gross wages, excluding overtime, in the 4 weeks prior to the holiday. Rules vary by province and employment type.
What if a statutory holiday falls on a weekend?
When a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is typically moved to the following Monday. Exceptions apply to Christmas and Boxing Day.
Do all employees get statutory holidays off?
Most employees are entitled to the day off with statutory holiday pay. However, some professions like health care may still be required to work with additional pay entitlements.
Is Easter Monday a statutory holiday in Canada?
Easter Monday is not a nationwide statutory holiday, but it is observed in the province of Quebec. Other provinces do not have Easter Monday as a paid public holiday.
Are banks and schools closed on statutory holidays?
Yes, banks and schools are typically closed across Canada on statutory holidays. Public services and transportation may run on reduced hours.
Where can I find a Canadian statutory holiday calendar?
Most provincial government labour department websites provide a statutory holiday calendar or list. The federal government also provides a nationwide calendar with statutory dates.
Article Sources
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