How Public Holidays Work in Canada
Public holidays in Canada are governed by both federal and provincial legislation. Federal employees follow the Canada Labour Code, while provincial employees follow provincial employment standards acts.
Canada Holidays
2025 Holiday Calendar
| Date | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 31 | New Year's Day | National |
| Apr 2 | Good Friday | National |
| Jun 30 | Canada Day | National |
| Sep 6 | Labor Day | National |
| Dec 24 | Christmas Day | National |
Public Holidays
- Federal employees receive 9 statutory holidays. Provincial employees may receive 8-10 days depending on the province.
- Quebec observes Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24). Several provinces have unique statutory holidays such as Family Day, BC Day, or Heritage Day.
- Under federal rules, holidays falling on weekends are observed on the following Monday. Provincial rules vary.
At a Glance: Common Holidays
Canada Day
JUL 1
National holiday celebrating Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867. Observed nationwide with parades, fireworks, and ceremonies.
Thanksgiving
2ND MON IN OCT
Observed on the second Monday in October. A harvest festival celebrated with family gatherings and traditional meals.
Victoria Day
MON BEFORE MAY 25
Observed on the Monday before May 25. Celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday and the current monarch's official birthday.
Impact on Payroll & Leave
Statutory holidays in Canada require careful payroll management due to federal-provincial differences and premium pay requirements.
- Time-and-a-half for holiday work or substitute day off with regular pay.
- Daily rest periods and breaks must be tracked for compliance.
- Vacation pay must be tracked and paid out at required percentages.
- Provincial variations require jurisdiction-specific payroll configurations.
What happens if a statutory holiday falls on a weekend?
Under federal rules, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. Provincial rules vary, with some provinces losing the holiday if it falls on a weekend.
Are employees entitled to vacation pay if they leave before taking vacation?
Yes, employees are entitled to vacation pay calculated as a percentage of gross earnings (4% for 2 weeks, 6% for 3 weeks) upon termination.
Do provincial employees have different rights than federal employees?
Yes, significantly. Provincial employment standards vary widely in areas like vacation entitlement, statutory holidays, termination notice, and overtime rules.