Alberta statutory holidays in 2026 include nine public holidays that every employer must observe, with specific premium pay and vacation entitlement rules. The province has clear holiday employment standards under the Alberta Employment Standards Code.
Here’s everything Alberta employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta observes nine statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- Alberta has a specific holiday pay formula based on average daily wage
- Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
Alberta Statutory Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Family Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Victoria Day | May 18 | Monday |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Wednesday |
| Labour Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Alberta observes Remembrance Day (November 11) as a statutory holiday. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the rules for substitute days apply.
Employer Obligations for Alberta Holidays
Mandatory Observation
Alberta employers must observe all nine statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Code. You cannot choose which holidays to follow.
Holiday Pay
Eligible employees receive holiday pay calculated as:
(Total wages earned in the 4 calendar weeks before the holiday ÷ 20) × 1
This calculation is based on the employee’s average daily wage over the previous four weeks.
Premium Pay for Working on a Holiday
If an employee works on a statutory holiday, they are entitled to:
- Premium pay — At least 1.5x their regular wage for each hour worked
- Holiday pay — In addition to premium pay, unless the employee agrees to a substitute day off
When the Holiday Falls on a Weekend
If a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday that is not the employee’s normal working day, the employer and employee may agree on a substitute day off with holiday pay. The rules depend on the employee’s work schedule.
Alberta-Specific Holidays
Family Day
Alberta’s Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It gives Albertans a long weekend in February. This holiday is observed in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan on the same date.
Remembrance Day
Alberta observes Remembrance Day (November 11) as a statutory holiday. This is unique among Canadian provinces, as most provinces do not make Remembrance Day a statutory holiday.
Common Mistakes Alberta Employers Make
- Miscalculating holiday pay — Alberta’s formula is specific and must be followed exactly
- Ignoring Remembrance Day — Alberta requires this as a statutory holiday
- Not paying premium rates — Working on a holiday triggers premium pay obligations
- Confusing substitute day rules — When holidays fall on weekends, substitute days may apply
- Not tracking holiday hours — Payroll errors on holidays create liability
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.