Public holidays in Canada

Public holidays in Canada
Observed by Canadians
Type National

Public holidays in Canada, known as statutory holidays, stat holidays, or simply stats, consist of a variety of cultural, nationalistic, and religious holidays that are legislated in Canada at the federal or provincial and territorial levels. While many of these holidays are honoured and acknowledged nationwide, provincial and territorial legislation varies in regard to which are officially recognized.

There are five nationwide statutory holidays,[1] and six additional holidays for federal employees.[2] Each of the 13 provinces and territories observes a number of holidays in addition to the four nationwide days, but each varies in regard to which are legislated as either statutory, optional, or not at all. Currently, the provinces of Alberta and Prince Edward Island have the most legislated holidays in comparison to other provinces and territories, with 12 days off.

Many public and private employers, as well as school systems, provide additional days off around the end of December, often including at least a full or half-day on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and/or December 31 (New Year's Eve), or in some cases the entire week between Christmas and New Year.[3][4] While not officially legislated in any capacity, internationally-notable cultural holidays such as Valentine's Day, Halloween, Mother's Day, and Father's Day are traditionally observed by Canadians as part of Canadian culture.[5]

Statutory holidays

A statutory holiday (also known as "stats" or "general" or "public" holiday) in Canada is legislated either through the federal, or a provincial or territorial government.[6] Most workers, public and private, are entitled to take the day off with regular pay. However, some employers may require employees to work on such a holiday, but the employee must either receive a day off in lieu of the holiday or must be paid at a premium rate – usually 1½ (known as "time and a half") or twice (known as "double time") the regular pay for their time worked that day, in addition to the holiday pay (except for high technology workers in British Columbia).[7] In most provinces, when a statutory holiday falls on a normal day off (generally a weekend), the following work day is considered a statutory holiday. Statistics Canada shows an average of 11 paid statutory holidays per year in regard to all firms and corporations operating within the province.

Nationwide statutory holidays in Canada

Date English name French Name Remarks
January 1 New Year's Day Jour de l'An Celebrates the first day of every year in the Gregorian calendar.
Friday before Easter Day Good Friday Vendredi saint Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. In Quebec, non-federally regulated employers must give either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a statutory holiday, though some give both days.
July 1 Canada Day Fête du Canada Celebrates Canada's 1867 Confederation and establishment of dominion status.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, observed as Memorial Day.

First Monday in September Labour Day Fête du travail Celebrates economic and social achievements of workers.
December 25 Christmas Day Noël Celebrates the nativity of Jesus.

Statutory holidays for federal employees

In addition to the nationwide holidays listed above, the following holidays are mandated by federal legislation for federally regulated employees. All banks and post offices commemorate these holidays, and they are statutory in some provinces and territories.

Date English Name French Name Remarks
In lieu of Good Friday (Stat Holiday), Monday after Easter Day Easter Monday Lundi de Pâques Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

Not a statutory holiday in any province or territory; however, in Quebec employers must give either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a statutory holiday, though most give both days.

Banks remain open (legally they cannot close for more than three consecutive days except in emergencies), but employees often receive a "floating" paid day off to be taken on or near the holiday.

This is not one of the nine "General Holidays" as defined by the Canada Labour Code – Part III. As such, there is no legal requirement for private sector employers in federally regulated industries to provide Easter Monday as a paid holiday to employees. However, many federal government offices will be closed on this day.

Monday on or before May 24 Victoria Day Fête de la Reine ou Journée nationale des Patriotes Celebrates the birthday of the reigning Canadian monarch; however, the date does not change with the change of monarch, being instead fixed on the birthday of Queen Victoria, the sovereign at the time of Canadian Confederation and establishment of dominion status in 1867. Some French-Canadians celebrate instead Adam Dollard des Ormeaux a French-Canadian hero from the New France times.

Statutory holiday in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec (coincides with National Patriots' Day), Saskatchewan, and Yukon. A holiday in New Brunswick under the Days of Rest Act.

Not a statutory holiday in the eastern maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island or in Newfoundland and Labrador.

First Monday in August August Civic Holiday Premier lundi d'août Statutory holiday in British Columbia (British Columbia Day), New Brunswick (New Brunswick Day), Northwest Territories (Civic Holiday), Nunavut (Civic Holiday), Ontario and Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Day).

Civic holiday (may be a paid vacation day depending on employer) in Alberta (Heritage Day), Manitoba (Terry Fox Day), Ontario (Colonel By Day + John Galt Day + Simcoe Day + Break for no reason day +others), Nova Scotia (Natal Day), Prince Edward Island (Federal Civic Holiday).

Not observed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, or Yukon.

Second Monday in October Thanksgiving Action de grâce A day to give thanks for the things one has at the close of the harvest season.

Statutory holiday in most jurisdictions of Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.[8]

An optional holiday in the Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.[8] In New Brunswick, included under the Days of Rest Act.

November 11 Remembrance Day Jour du Souvenir Commemorates Canada's war dead. Anniversary of the armistice ending World War I in 1918.

Statutory holiday in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

In Manitoba, an "Official day of Observance", not a statutory holiday.

In Ontario and Nova Scotia, not a statutory holiday in that employers have the option of giving Remembrance Day or an alternate day off. In Nova Scotia Remembrance Day is covered specifically by the Remembrance Day Act[9] which prohibits employers from allowing employees to work and prohibits employees from working with exceptions for required services.

Not a statutory holiday in Quebec.

December 26 Boxing Day Lendemain de Noël A holiday with mixed and uncertain origins and definitions.[10]

Provincially, a statutory holiday in Ontario. A holiday in New Brunswick under the Days of Rest Act.

Many employers across the country observe Boxing Day as a paid day off.

Other common holidays

Date English Name French Name Remarks
Third Monday in February (BC second Monday in February)
  • Family Day
  • Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)
  • Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)
  • Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)
  • Fête de la famille
  • Journée Louis Riel (MB)
  • Fête des Insulaires (PE)
  • Fête du Patrimoine (NS)
 Statutory holiday under various names in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

British Columbia celebrates its Family Day on the second Monday in February, starting in 2013.[11]

Not observed elsewhere.

Provincial and territorial holidays

Provinces and territories generally adopt the same holidays as the federal government with some variations:

Date English Name French Name AB BC MB NB NL NT NS NU ON PE QC SK YT
January 1 New Year's Day Jour de l'An National
Second Monday in February Family Day Fête de la famille - Green tick - - - - - - - - - - -
Third Monday in February Louis Riel Day Journée Louis Riel - - Green tick - - - - - - - - - -
Third Monday in February Islander Day Fête des Insulaires - - - - - - - - - Green tick - - -
Third Monday in February Family Day Fête de la famille Green tick - - - - - - - Green tick - - Green tick -
Third Monday in February Heritage Day Fête du Patrimoine - - - - - - Green tick - - - - - -
March 17 Saint Patrick's Day Jour de la Saint-Patrick - - - - Green tick - - - - - - - -
Friday before Easter Day Good Friday Vendredi saint National
Monday after Easter Day Easter Monday Lundi de Pâques Green tick - - - - - - - - Green tick - - -
April 23 Saint George's Day Jour de St. George - - - - Green tick - - - - - - - -
Monday on or before May 24 National Patriots' Day Journée nationale des patriotes - - - - - - - - - - Green tick - -
Monday on or before May 24 Victoria Day Fête de la Reine Green tick Green tick Green tick Green tick - Green tick Green tick Green tick Green tick Green tick - Green tick Green tick
June 21 National Aboriginal Day Journée nationale des Autochthones - - - - - Green tick - - - - - - -
June 24 Discovery Day / National Holiday Journée découverte / Fête nationale du Québec / Saint-Jean-Baptiste - - - - Green tick - - - - - Green tick - Green tick
July 1 Canada Day Fête du Canada National
July 12 Orangemen's Day Fête des orangistes - - - - Green tick - - - - - - - -
First Monday in August Civic Holiday Premier lundi d'août - Green tick Green tick - Green tick Green tick - Green tick - - - - -
First Monday in August Heritage Day Fête du patrimoine Green tick - - - - - - - - - - - Green tick
First Monday in August New Brunswick Day Jour de Nouveau Brunswick - - - Green tick - - - - - - - - -
First Monday in August Natal Day Jour de la Fondation - - - - - - Green tick - - - - - -
Third Friday in August Gold Cup Parade Day Défilé de la Coupe d'or - - - - - - - - - Green tick - - -
Third Monday in August Discovery Day Jour de la Découverte - - - - - - - - - - - - Green tick
First Monday in September Labour Day Fête du travail National
Second Monday in October Thanksgiving Action de grâce National
November 11 Armistice Day Jour de l'Armistice - - - - Green tick - - - - - - - -
November 11 Remembrance Day Jour du Souvenir Green tick Green tick - Green tick - Green tick Green tick Green tick - Green tick - Green tick Green tick
December 25 Christmas Day Noël National
December 26 Boxing Day Lendemain de Noël Green tick - - Green tick - - Green tick - Green tick Green tick - - -
Total Holidays 12 10 9 10 11 10 11 9 9 12 8 9 11

Alberta

Provincial statutory

Optional

British Columbia

Provincial statutory

Manitoba

Provincial statutory

Optional

New Brunswick

Provincial statutory

Optional

Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial statutory

Optional

These have not been observed as statutory holidays since 1992. They are, however, observed by the provincial government. Unlike most other provinces, there is no province-wide holiday on the first Monday in August. It may be seen as redundant due to the Royal St. John's Regatta, which is observed as a civic holiday in St. John's on the first Wednesday in August (or, in case of poor weather, the next suitable day thereafter). Harbour Grace and Labrador City have a similar holiday for their regatta in late July. All other municipalities are entitled to designate one day a year as a civic holiday, however many do not take advantage of this.

Northwest Territories

Territorial statutory

Nova Scotia

Provincial statutory

Optional

Nunavut

Territorial statutory

Optional

Ontario

Provincial statutory

Optional

Prince Edward Island

Provincial statutory[26]

Optional

Quebec

Provincial statutory

Optional

Saskatchewan

Provincial statutory

Yukon

Territorial statutory

Optional

Municipal holidays

Some municipalities also have local statutory holidays. For instance, the morning of the Stampede Parade is often given as a half-day holiday in the city of Calgary. In Ontario, the August Civic Holiday is not defined provincially, but by each municipality.

Civic holidays

In Canada, there are two definitions of the term "civic holiday":

By law, a civic holiday is defined as any holiday which is legally recognized and for which employers are obliged to offer holiday pay.

The August Civic Holiday

Main article: Civic Holiday

In parts of Canada, the term "Civic Holiday" is a generic name referring to the annual holiday on the first Monday of August. However, this definition is far from uniform nationwide as Quebec, Newfoundland, and Yukon do not recognize it at all (in the Yukon the civic holiday is celebrated instead on the third Monday of August as Discovery Day). Five other provinces (Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) do not oblige employers to offer holiday pay on this day, thus not making it a civic holiday in the legal sense. No universal name is recognized for this holiday – the official name varies between the provinces and even between municipalities within Ontario. In Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories it is a statutory holiday.

The Civic Holiday is meant to replace a city's birthday aka Natal Day. Instead of each city and town having a separate birthday celebration and day off, the August Civic Holiday is observed. For example, the Halifax Regional Municipality is made up of former cities Halifax and Dartmouth and the town of Bedford. Each of these places used to hold civic birthday celebrations on different days. Many people lived in one jurisdiction but worked in another. This would be very confusing as to which day a person would be excused from work.

This holiday is commonly referred to as "August Long Weekend" but this is not a government term.

Proposed holidays

The other leading candidate for a new holiday is a weekend in February to celebrate the anniversary of the Canadian flag, or more likely a general "Heritage Day". February 15 is already designated as Flag Day, but this is simply a day of commemoration, not a statutory holiday.

In the province of Nova Scotia, which has relatively few days off, a bill has been introduced for a new holiday for the third Monday in February, to start in 2015.[29]

In November 2014, Bill C-597 passed second reading in the House of Commons by a margin of 258 to 2. If the bill becomes law, Remembrance Day would become a federal holiday in Canada.[30]

In 2001, members of the 14th Legislative Assembly passed the National Aboriginal Day Act making the Northwest Territories the first jurisdiction in Canada to recognize this day as a formal statutory holiday.[31]

Holidays occurring on non-work days

If a holiday occurs on a day that is normally not worked, then "...another day off with pay will be provided".[32] There are some exceptions, however. In Alberta, an employee is not entitled to compensation if a holiday falls on a non-work day.[33]

When New Year's Day, Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday you would not normally work, you are entitled to a holiday with pay on the working day immediately before or after the holiday. If one of the other holidays falls on a weekend, then your employer must add a holiday with pay to your annual vacation or give you a paid day off at another mutually convenient time.

Other observances

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Statutory Holidays". Government of Canada. February 15, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Statutory Holidays". Government of Canada. August 16, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  3. ↑ "School Year Calendar". Toronto District School Board. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Students & Schools | Vancouver School Board". Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Canadian Holidays". JJ's Complete Guide to Canada. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Work Rights – Statutory Holidays". Canadian Labour Congress. January 17, 2007. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  7. ↑ "High Technology Professionals and High Technology Companies in[British Columbia Fact Sheet". Government of BC, Labour & Citizens' Services, Employment Standards Branch. May 18, 2007. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  8. 1 2 "Statutory Holidays in Canada". Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Remembrance Day Act". Nslegislature.ca. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  10. ↑ Snopes.com – "Boxing Day" – Urban Legends Reference Pages. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  11. ↑
  12. ↑ "General Holidays and General Holiday Pay in Alberta". Employment.alberta.ca. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Statutory Holidays in British Columbia - 2012 - 2015". Labour.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Manitoba Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act". Web2.gov.mb.ca. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Paid Statutory Holidays in Employment Standards Legislation". Hrsdc.gc.ca. December 14, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Prescribed Days of Rest in New Brunswick 2011-2014". Government of New Brunswick. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour: Paid Public Holidays and Vacation/ Vacation Pay" (PDF). Government of New Brunswick. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Shops' Closing Regulations, C.N.L.R. 1115/96".
  19. ↑ "Government Holidays for 2013 | Human Resource Secretariat". Exec.gov.nl.ca. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Labour Standards Code" (PDF). Office of the Legislative Council, Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  21. ↑ "An Act to Establish a Holiday in February" (PDF). Office of the Legislative Council, Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  22. ↑ "General Labour Standards Code Regulations". Office of the Legislative Council, Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  23. ↑ "February holiday dubbed Nova Scotia Heritage Day". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Remembrance Day Act". Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  25. 1 2 "Public Holidays". Ontario Ministry of Labour. May 17, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Labour: Paid Holidays". Gov.pe.ca. November 27, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Quebec's Holidays".
  28. ↑ "Government Services - Holidays". Government of Yukon. September 26, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  29. ↑ Carter, Pat (December 5, 2013). "New bill would create N.S. February holiday starting in 2015". The Canadian Press/AP. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Remembrance Day a statutory holiday? Attempt to make it so clears hurdle | CTV Kitchener News". Kitchener.ctvnews.ca. November 6, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  31. ↑ "National Aboriginal Day". Canada: Government of the Northwest Territories. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  32. ↑ "General Overview - Statutory Holidays". Human Resources and Social Development Canada. October 5, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  33. ↑ "General Holidays and General Holiday Pay" (PDF). Human Services - Government of Alberta. March 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2012.

Further reading

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