Statutory Holidays in Canada: Which Days Are Off and How You Should Be Paid

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For newcomers to Canada, understanding the concept of statutory holidays is crucial for both financial planning and integrating into Canadian life. These are paid public holidays recognized by federal or provincial governments, granting most employees a day off with pay. If you work on a statutory holiday, you are typically entitled to premium pay. This guide will explain which days are statutory holidays in Canada, who is eligible for holiday pay, and how you should be compensated if you work on these days.

What are Statutory Holidays?

Statutory holidays (often called "stat holidays") are public holidays established by federal or provincial legislation. On these days, most employees are entitled to a day off with regular pay. If they are required to work, they usually receive premium pay.

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Federal Statutory Holidays (Observed Across Canada)

These holidays are recognized federally and are observed by all federally regulated workplaces (e.g., banks, post offices, interprovincial transportation). Most provinces also observe these as provincial statutory holidays.

• New Year's Day: January 1st
• Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday (date varies)
• Victoria Day: The Monday preceding May 25th (except in Quebec, where it's National Patriots' Day)
• Canada Day: July 1st (if July 1st is a Sunday, the holiday is observed on July 2nd)
• Labour Day: First Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day: Second Monday in October
• Remembrance Day: November 11th (not a paid statutory holiday in all provinces)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

Provincial and Territorial Statutory Holidays

In addition to the federal holidays, each province and territory has its own set of statutory holidays. It's important to know the specific holidays for your province of residence.

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Examples of Provincial Holidays:

• Family Day: Observed in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick. (Dates vary by province).
• Louis Riel Day: Third Monday in February (Manitoba).
• Islander Day: Third Monday in February (Prince Edward Island).
• Heritage Day: First Monday in August (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, PEI).
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th (federal holiday, observed by federally regulated workplaces and some provinces).

Eligibility for Statutory Holiday Pay

Most employees are eligible for statutory holiday pay, but there are usually conditions:

• Length of Employment: You must have been employed for a certain period (e.g., 30 days) before the holiday.
• Work Requirements: You must have worked your last scheduled shift before the holiday and your first scheduled shift after the holiday (unless there's a valid reason for absence).
• Regular Pay: You are typically paid your regular day's wages for the holiday.

Working on a Statutory Holiday: Your Compensation

If you are required to work on a statutory holiday, you are generally entitled to premium pay, which is usually:

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• Time and a Half: 1.5 times your regular hourly wage for all hours worked on the holiday.
• Plus a Day Off with Pay: You also get a substitute day off with regular pay on another day.

Alternatively, some employers may offer to pay you 2.5 times your regular rate for all hours worked on the holiday, without a substitute day off. The specific rules vary by province and by collective agreement (if you are unionized).

Exemptions and Special Rules

Some employees or industries may have different rules regarding statutory holidays:

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• Essential Services: Employees in essential services (e.g., healthcare, emergency services) may have different compensation rules.
• Retail Workers: Some provinces have specific rules for retail businesses on holidays.
• Commission-Based Employees: Calculation of holiday pay may differ.

Always check your provincial employment standards website or your employment contract for specific details.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Enjoy Your Holidays

Statutory holidays are an important part of Canadian life, offering opportunities for rest, celebration, and reflection. Understanding your rights regarding these paid days off and how you should be compensated if you work is crucial for every employee. By being informed, you can ensure you receive the pay and time off you are entitled to, allowing you to fully enjoy Canada's national celebrations.