Statutory holidays in Canada are federally and provincially mandated days off with pay. Canada has 5 federal statutory holidays and each province adds its own, bringing the total to 9-12 depending on where your employees work. As an employer, you must grant these holidays, calculate holiday pay correctly, and understand the rules for employees who work on a statutory holiday.
The complexity lies in the provincial variation — a holiday in Alberta may not be a holiday in Ontario. This guide covers all Canadian statutory holidays for 2026, your obligations under the Canada Labour Code and provincial employment standards, and how to keep your payroll accurate.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
2026 Federal Statutory Holidays
These holidays apply to all federally regulated workplaces (banks, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation, federal Crown corporations):
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Victoria Day | 18 May | Monday |
| Canada Day | 1 July | Wednesday |
| Labour Day | 7 September | Monday |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 30 September | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | 12 October | Monday |
| Remembrance Day | 11 November | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
Provincial Statutory Holidays
Each province and territory sets its own statutory holidays. Here are the key differences:
Alberta
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Family Day | 16 February | Monday |
| Alberta Heritage Day | 3 August | Monday |
| Remembrance Day | 11 November | Wednesday |
British Columbia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| BC Family Day | 16 February | Monday |
| BC Day | 3 August | Monday |
Manitoba
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Riel Day | 16 February | Monday |
| Terry Fox Day | 3 August | Monday |
New Brunswick
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick Day | 3 August | Monday |
Newfoundland and Labrador
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day | 17 March | Tuesday |
| Orangemen’s Day | 13 July | Monday |
Nova Scotia
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia Heritage Day | 16 February | Monday |
Ontario
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Family Day | 16 February | Monday |
| Civic Holiday | 3 August | Monday |
Note: The Civic Holiday in Ontario is not a statutory holiday — it’s a municipal holiday that most employers observe voluntarily.
Quebec
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec National Patriotes Day | 18 May | Monday |
| Quebec’s Construction Holiday | 27-31 July | Varies |
Saskatchewan
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Heritage Day | 3 August | Monday |
How to Calculate Holiday Pay
Under the Canada Labour Code, holiday pay for federally regulated employees is calculated as:
1/20 of wages earned in the 4 work weeks before the holiday
This is known the “1/20th rule.” For most employees:
- Salaried employees: Their regular daily rate
- Hourly employees: Total wages in the 4 weeks before the holiday ÷ 20
- Commission-based: Include commissions in the calculation
Provinces vs. Federal
Provincial calculations vary. Most provinces use similar methods:
| Province | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Total regular wages earned in 4 weeks before ÷ 20 |
| Alberta | Average daily wage over the last 30 days |
| British Columbia | Average daily wage over the last 30 days |
| Quebec | Average daily wage over the last 4 weeks |
Example Calculation
An employee earns $4,000 in the 4 weeks before Canada Day. Their holiday pay is:
$4,000 ÷ 20 = $200
If the employee normally earns $200/day, this matches. If their earnings were irregular, the calculation ensures fair compensation.
Working on a Statutory Holiday
Employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to:
- Premium pay — Typically 1.5× their regular rate (varies by province)
- A substitute day off — In most provinces, employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to a day off with pay at a later date
Provincial Premium Rates
| Province | Premium Pay | Substitute Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 1.5× regular rate | Within 3 months (federal) or as per agreement |
| Alberta | General holiday pay + premium | Yes |
| British Columbia | 1.5× regular rate | Yes |
| Quebec | 1.5× regular rate | Within 3 months |
| Saskatchewan | 1.5× regular rate | Yes |
Federal employees: Must receive premium pay and a substitute day off if they work on a statutory holiday.
When a Holiday Falls on a Weekend
Provincial rules vary:
- Alberta: If the holiday falls on a Saturday, employees don’t get a substitute day. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.
- Ontario: If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday that isn’t the employee’s working day, the employer and employee can agree on an alternative day.
- British Columbia: The employer must provide an alternative day off if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday that isn’t the employee’s usual working day.
- Quebec: The holiday is observed on the nearest working day if it falls on a weekend.
Public vs. Private Employers
Statutory holidays apply to both public and private employers, but the scope depends on whether you’re federally or provincially regulated:
- Federally regulated: Banks, airlines, telecom, interprovincial transport → follow Canada Labour Code
- Provincially regulated: Most other businesses → follow provincial employment standards
Check which jurisdiction applies to your business — it determines which holiday rules you follow.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Federal and Provincial Holidays
An employee in Ontario is not entitled to Alberta Family Day. Always check the holidays that apply to the employee’s province of work.
Incorrect Holiday Pay Calculations
The 1/20th rule applies to federal employees. Provincial calculations may differ. Don’t assume one formula works everywhere.
Not Providing Substitute Days
Most provinces require a substitute day off for employees who work on a statutory holiday. Failing to provide one is a violation.
Ignoring Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is not a statutory holiday in all provinces. In Ontario, for example, it’s not a statutory holiday, though many employers observe it.
Key Takeaways
- Canada has federal statutory holidays plus provincial holidays — the total varies by province
- Federal employees get 5-10 paid holidays depending on province; private-sector employees depend on provincial law
- Holiday pay is calculated using the 1/20th rule (federal) or provincial equivalents
- Employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to premium pay and often a substitute day
- When a holiday falls on a weekend, substitute day rules vary by province
- Always check whether your business is federally or provincially regulated
Managing statutory holidays across a Canadian team with employees in multiple provinces is a compliance challenge. Leave Balance tracks provincial holiday calendars and calculates correct holiday pay automatically.