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Canadian Public Holiday Rules

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Written by
Kate Vodopian

In Canada, public holidays—also known as statutory holidays—are legislated at both federal and provincial/territorial levels. While some holidays are recognized nationwide, others vary by province or territory, leading to differences in observance and entitlements.

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Federal Statutory Holidays:

The following holidays are recognized federally and apply to employees in federally regulated sectors:

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  • New Year - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
  • Good Friday - Friday, April 18, 2025
  • Easter Monday - Monday, April 21, 2025
  • Victoria Day - Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day - Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (Quebec only)
  • Canada Day - Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Civic Holiday - Monday, August 4, 2025 (excluding Quebec)
  • Labour Day - Monday, September 1, 2025
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Tuesday, September 30, 2025
  • Thanksgiving Day - Monday, October 13, 2025
  • Remembrance Day - Tuesday, November 11, 2025
  • Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25, 2025
  • Boxing Day - Friday, December 26, 2025

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Note: Easter Monday is a holiday for federal government employees but is not a statutory holiday for all workers.

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Provincial and Territorial Variations:

Each province and territory may designate additional statutory holidays and may have specific regulations regarding their observance. Below is an overview of public holidays across Canada, including regional differences:

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  • New Year - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
  • Family Fun - Monday, February 17, 2025 (AB, BC, NB, ON, SK)
  • St. Patrick's Day - Monday, March 17, 2025 (NL)
  • Good Friday - Friday, April 18, 2025
  • Easter Monday - Monday, April 21, 2025
  • Victoria Day - Monday, May 19, 2025
  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day - Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (Quebec only)
  • Canada Day - Tuesday, July 1, 2025
  • Civic Holiday - Monday, August 4, 2025 (excluding Quebec)
  • Labour Day - Monday, September 1, 2025
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Tuesday, September 30, 2025
  • Thanksgiving Day - Monday, October 13, 2025
  • Remembrance Day - Tuesday, November 11, 2025
  • Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25, 2025
  • Boxing Day - Friday, December 26, 2025

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Regional Differences:

  • Family Day: Observed on the third Monday in February in provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. However, the specific date and recognition can vary.
  • St. Jean Baptiste Day: Celebrated on June 24th as a statutory holiday in Quebec.
  • Remembrance Day: Observed on November 11th, but not a statutory holiday in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
  • Civic Holiday: Known by various names such as British Columbia Day, New Brunswick Day, and Saskatchewan Day, this holiday on the first Monday in August is not universally recognized across all provinces and territories.

Employer Obligations:

Employers must adhere to the specific employment standards of their province or territory regarding public holidays. This includes providing eligible employees with a day off with pay on statutory holidays or compensating them appropriately if they work on these days.

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Helpful Resources:

For detailed information on public holidays and employment standards in each province and territory, refer to the following resources:

Conclusion:

Understanding the variations in public holidays across Canada's provinces and territories is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with local labor laws and to uphold employee rights.

Kate Vodopian