Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan Employment Act.
Here’s everything Saskatchewan employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Saskatchewan observes nine statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- Saskatchewan 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
Saskatchewan 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 |
| Saskatchewan Day | August 3 | Monday |
| Labour Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan Holidays
Mandatory Observation
Saskatchewan employers must observe all nine statutory holidays under The Saskatchewan Employment 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.
Saskatchewan-Specific Holidays
Family Day
Saskatchewan’s Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It gives Saskatchewan residents a long weekend in February. This holiday is observed in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan on the same date.
Saskatchewan Day
Saskatchewan Day is celebrated on the first Monday in August. It gives Saskatchewan residents a long weekend in the middle of summer. This holiday is unique to Saskatchewan and is not observed in other provinces.
Common Mistakes Saskatchewan Employers Make
- Forgetting Saskatchewan Day — This holiday is unique to the province
- Confusing Family Day dates — Saskatchewan’s Family Day falls on the same date as Alberta’s and Ontario’s
- Miscalculating holiday pay — Saskatchewan’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.