Ontario statutory holidays in 2026 include nine public holidays that every employer must observe, with specific premium pay and vacation entitlement rules. Canada’s most populous province has strict holiday employment standards that differ significantly from US rules.
Here’s everything Ontario employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario observes nine statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x or 2x) for work on statutory holidays
- Public holiday pay is calculated using a specific formula under the Employment Standards Act
- Family Day is unique to Ontario (and a few other provinces) and falls in February
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
Ontario 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 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday |
Note: Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend that is not an employee’s normal working day, the employee may be entitled to a substitute day off or premium pay, depending on the circumstances.
Employer Obligations for Ontario Holidays
Mandatory Observation
Unlike US states, Ontario employers must observe all nine statutory holidays. You cannot choose which holidays to follow. The Employment Standards Act (ESA) requires it.
Public Holiday Pay
Eligible employees receive public holiday pay calculated as:
Regular wages earned in the last work week before the holiday ÷ 200 (or the number of hours worked in the last work week × regular rate)
This formula applies to most employees. Vacation pay is not included in the calculation.
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 rate for each hour worked
- Public holiday pay — In addition to premium pay, unless the employee agrees to take 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 employee may be entitled to a substitute day off with public holiday pay
- Or the employer and employee may agree the employee works with premium pay
- The rules depend on whether the employee’s work week includes that day
Ontario-Specific Holidays
Family Day
Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It was introduced in 2008 and gives Ontario workers a long weekend in February. This holiday is observed in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia (on different dates).
Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October) is different from US Thanksgiving. It celebrates the harvest and is a statutory holiday in Ontario.
Common Mistakes Ontario Employers Make
- Not observing all nine holidays — Ontario requires all employers to recognize them
- Miscalculating public 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
- Confusing provincial and federal holidays — Some holidays apply only to federally regulated employers
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.