New Brunswick 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 Employment Standards Act.
Here’s everything New Brunswick employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- New Brunswick observes nine statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- New Brunswick has a specific holiday pay formula based on average daily wage
- The province has both English and French holiday names reflecting its bilingual status
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
New Brunswick Statutory Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Wednesday |
| New Brunswick Day | August 3 | Monday |
| Labour Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday |
Note: New Brunswick Day (first Monday in August) is unique to the province. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the rules for substitute days apply.
Employer Obligations for New Brunswick Holidays
Mandatory Observation
New Brunswick employers must observe all nine statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Act. 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.
New Brunswick-Specific Holidays
New Brunswick Day
New Brunswick Day is celebrated on the first Monday in August. It gives New Brunswick residents a long weekend in the middle of summer. This holiday is unique to New Brunswick and celebrates the province’s heritage and culture.
Bilingual Holiday Names
As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick uses both English and French names for holidays. This reflects the province’s commitment to linguistic duality.
Common Mistakes New Brunswick Employers Make
- Forgetting New Brunswick Day — This holiday is unique to the province
- Not recognizing bilingual requirements — Holiday names and communications should be available in both languages
- Miscalculating holiday pay — The 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.