In Canada, holidays are an essential part of the workforce calendar. However, many workers often have questions about their rights when it comes to paid holidays. What Holidays Are Paid in Canada? How is pay calculated for working on a public holiday? These are just a few of the questions that employees often have regarding holiday pay. In this article, we will explore the various holidays in Canada that are eligible for paid leave and the rules governing paid holidays.
Paid Holidays in Canada
In Canada, public holidays, also known as statutory holidays, are days when the government recognizes certain events or occasions. These holidays are days off for the general population, and certain workers are entitled to receive paid leave or additional pay if they are required to work on these days. However, the exact number of paid holidays can vary by province and territory.
The entitlement to holiday pay is generally determined by the Employment Standards Act (or similar legislation in different provinces), which sets out the rules that employers must follow in granting paid holidays to their employees.
Provincial and Territorial Variations in Paid Holidays
Canada’s legal system allows each province and territory to establish their own statutory holidays. While there are some national holidays recognized across the country, there are also holidays that are specific to certain provinces. This means that holiday entitlements can differ depending on where you live in Canada. The table below outlines the national statutory holidays, as well as those that may vary depending on the province or territory.
National Paid Holidays in Canada
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is one of the most widely recognized public holidays in Canada. It marks the start of the new year and is typically a day for reflection, relaxation, or celebrations with family and friends. Employees are entitled to a paid day off if they are eligible for statutory holiday pay. If an employee is required to work on New Year’s Day, they are usually compensated with overtime or another day off.
Good Friday (April)
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a statutory holiday in many provinces and territories, although not all provinces recognize it as such. In provinces where Good Friday is a public holiday, employees who are required to work are typically entitled to paid leave or additional pay (usually one and a half times their regular wage) for the day.
Easter Monday (April)
While Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in all provinces, it is recognized in some regions. For federal employees, Easter Monday is considered a public holiday. However, employees in many provinces do not have a legal right to time off, but employers may still choose to offer the day off.
Victoria Day (Last Monday on or before May 24)
Victoria Day is a public holiday in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. It is celebrated across Canada, marking the unofficial start of summer in many parts of the country. It is a statutory holiday, and employees who are required to work on Victoria Day are generally entitled to either additional pay or an alternate day off.
Canada Day (July 1)
Canada Day is a national holiday that marks the founding of the Canadian Confederation. As a statutory holiday, it is widely celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and community events. Employees who are scheduled to work on Canada Day are generally entitled to holiday pay or another day off.
Labour Day (First Monday in September)
Labour Day is a statutory holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It is a public holiday across Canada, with many people taking the day off to relax before the start of the school year or to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer. Employees working on Labour Day are entitled to premium pay or a day off in lieu.
Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)
Thanksgiving is another holiday that celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year. While it is recognized nationwide, it is not considered a statutory holiday in every province. In most provinces where Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday, employees working on the day are entitled to holiday pay or time off.
Remembrance Day (November 11)
Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday that commemorates Canadian soldiers who died in wartime. It is observed across the country, though not all provinces treat it as a statutory holiday. Employees in provinces that recognize Remembrance Day are entitled to paid leave. In some provinces, employees who work on Remembrance Day may receive premium pay.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day is a well-loved holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories. Employees who are scheduled to work on Christmas Day are entitled to either holiday pay or time off in lieu.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Boxing Day is recognized as a statutory holiday in some provinces but not all. The holiday originates from the tradition of giving gifts to workers the day after Christmas. Where it is recognized, employees who work on Boxing Day are usually entitled to extra pay or a day off in lieu.
Additional Statutory Holidays by Province
While the holidays mentioned above are recognized at the federal level, each province and territory has the authority to declare additional holidays that are specific to the region. Below are some notable regional holidays:
Family Day (February)
Family Day is recognized in several provinces, including Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, usually observed on the third Monday of February. The day is designed to give families a break from work and school, and employees are entitled to a paid day off if it is recognized in their province.
Natal Day (First Monday in August)
Natal Day is a public holiday in Nova Scotia, where it celebrates the founding of the city of Halifax. Employees in Nova Scotia who work on Natal Day are entitled to holiday pay or an alternate day off.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
National Indigenous Peoples Day is recognized in several provinces and territories, although it is not a statutory holiday in all regions. Employees in jurisdictions where the day is recognized are entitled to paid leave or additional pay if they are required to work.
St-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24)
In Quebec, St-Jean-Baptiste Day is a statutory holiday that celebrates the province’s Francophone culture. Employees in Quebec who are required to work on St-Jean-Baptiste Day are generally entitled to premium pay or time off in lieu.
Islander Day (Third Monday in February)
Islander Day is a public holiday in Prince Edward Island, celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is similar to Family Day but specific to this province. Employees in Prince Edward Island are entitled to paid leave.
Holiday Pay and Premium Rates
In most provinces, employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to “premium pay.” This means that they must receive either:
1.5 times their regular hourly wage (also called “time and a half”) for the hours worked on the holiday, or
A substitute holiday (another day off with pay) in lieu of the holiday.
The specifics of how holiday pay is calculated can vary by province and employment contract. In some cases, employees may be entitled to both their regular wages and the premium pay for working on a holiday. Additionally, some unionized workplaces may have collective agreements that provide for more generous holiday pay provisions.
How to Calculate Holiday Pay
Calculating holiday pay depends on various factors, including your regular wage, the number of hours worked, and whether you are entitled to additional pay or a substitute day off. Below is a general breakdown of how holiday pay is typically calculated:
Standard Pay: If you do not work on a public holiday, you are generally entitled to your regular daily wage as a paid day off.
Holiday Work Pay: If you are required to work on a public holiday, you may receive 1.5 times your normal wage for hours worked on that day, in addition to your regular pay for any non-holiday hours worked.
Time Off in Lieu: If you work on a holiday, instead of receiving additional pay, you may receive a day off in lieu of the holiday.
Conclusion
Paid holidays in Canada are essential benefits that recognize the importance of rest and recreation for workers. Employees are generally entitled to paid holidays as per the federal or provincial regulations, but there are variations based on location and employment contracts. It is important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations regarding holiday pay to ensure compliance with the law and avoid disputes.
By staying informed about your rights and understanding the specific rules in your province or territory, you can make sure that you are receiving the appropriate compensation or leave for working on a holiday. Whether you are planning a vacation or simply taking a well-earned break, paid holidays are an important part of the Canadian workplace landscape.
