Public holidays, also known as statutory holidays, vary across Canada depending on the province or territory. These holidays are generally observed nationwide but can differ by region.
Observing Public Holidays on Weekends
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually observed on another day, typically the preceding Friday or the following Monday. The employer has discretion over which day to choose, but the general practice is to shift the holiday to the closest weekday to ensure employees receive a day off.
Public Holidays (Nationwide)
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 3 – Good Friday
May 18 – Victoria Day (also observed in Québec as National Patriots’ Day)
July 1 – Canada Day
September 7 – Labour Day
October 12 – Thanksgiving Day (except in PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador)
November 11 – Remembrance Day (except in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia)
December 25 – Christmas Day
Additional Public Holidays by Province
Ontario
February 16 – Family Day
August 3 – Civic Holiday
December 26 – Boxing Day
British Columbia
February 16 – Family Day
May 18 – Victoria Day
August 3 – British Columbia Day
September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Alberta
February 16 – Family Day
May 18 – Victoria Day
August 3 – Heritage Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
New Brunswick
August 3 – New Brunswick Day
Quebec
April 6 – Easter Monday
May 18 – National Patriots’ Day
June 24 – National Holiday of Quebec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day)