Paid annual leave and public holidays in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: For employers under federal jurisdiction, the Canada Labour Code gives two weeks of paid vacation after one year, three after five years and four after 10 years. It lists 10 general holidays with pay. Provincial and territorial employment standards law, which covers most other workplaces, is not covered here.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee; Employers under federal jurisdiction (Canada Labour Code, Part III)2 weeks [1]
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee; Employers under federal jurisdiction (Canada Labour Code, Part III)At least two weeks of vacation with vacation pay after one year of employment, three weeks after five consecutive years with the same employer, and four weeks after 10 consecutive years. Vacation pay is 4%, 6% and 8% of wages respectively. [1]
National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; Employers under federal jurisdiction (Canada Labour Code, Part III)10 days [1]
Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee; Employers under federal jurisdiction (Canada Labour Code, Part III)Not counted as leave days [1]

Notes

  • The minimum is two weeks after one year of employment and rises with consecutive years of service with the same employer. The Code applies to federal works, undertakings and businesses only (section 167); other employers fall under provincial or territorial law.
  • Vacation pay is 4% of wages, or 6% after five and 8% after 10 consecutive years of employment with the same employer.
  • The general holidays in section 166 are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 September), Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Substitute days under section 195 are not counted separately.
  • Where a general holiday falls within a vacation, the vacation may be extended by one day for each holiday and the employer pays the wages for those holidays in addition to vacation pay.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws Website): Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2), Part III (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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