Prince Edward Island statutory holidays in 2026 include eight public holidays that every employer must observe, with specific premium pay and vacation entitlement rules. The Island Province has clear holiday employment standards under the Employment Standards Act.
Here’s everything PEI employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- PEI observes eight statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- PEI has a specific holiday pay formula based on average daily wage
- The province has a strong tradition of observing all statutory holidays
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
PEI Statutory Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Victoria Day | May 18 | Monday |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Wednesday |
| Islander Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Labour Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Islander Day (third Monday in February) is unique to PEI. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the rules for substitute days apply.
Employer Obligations for PEI Holidays
Mandatory Observation
PEI employers must observe all eight 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.
PEI-Specific Holidays
Islander Day
Islander Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It gives Prince Edward Island residents a long weekend in February. This holiday is unique to PEI and celebrates the province’s heritage and community spirit.
Common Mistakes PEI Employers Make
- Forgetting Islander Day — This holiday is unique to PEI and catches many employers off guard
- 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
- Assuming PEI follows federal holidays only — The province has its own statutory holiday requirements
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.