Manitoba statutory holidays in 2026 include nine public holidays that every employer must observe, with specific premium pay and vacation entitlement rules. The Prairie Province has clear holiday employment standards under The Employment Standards Code.
Here’s everything Manitoba employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Manitoba observes nine statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- Manitoba has a specific holiday pay formula based on average daily wage
- Louis Riel Day is unique to Manitoba and falls in February
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
Manitoba Statutory Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Louis Riel 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: Manitoba observes Louis Riel Day (third Monday in February) and Remembrance Day (November 11) as statutory holidays. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the rules for substitute days apply.
Employer Obligations for Manitoba Holidays
Mandatory Observation
Manitoba 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.
Manitoba-Specific Holidays
Louis Riel Day
Louis Riel Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It honors Louis Riel, a founder of Manitoba and advocate for Métis rights. This holiday is unique to Manitoba and gives residents a long weekend in February.
Remembrance Day
Manitoba observes Remembrance Day (November 11) as a statutory holiday. This is a significant holiday in Manitoba, reflecting the province’s strong military heritage.
Common Mistakes Manitoba Employers Make
- Forgetting Louis Riel Day — This holiday is unique to Manitoba and catches many employers off guard
- Misinterpreting Remembrance Day — Manitoba requires this as a statutory holiday
- Miscalculating holiday pay — Manitoba’s formula is specific and must be followed exactly
- Not paying premium rates — Working on a holiday triggers premium pay obligations
- Ignoring substitute day rules — When holidays fall on weekends, substitute days may apply
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.