Public holidays in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: The Canada Labour Code sets 10 general holidays for federally regulated employers. Employees get holiday pay, and at least one and a half times their normal rate for hours worked on the day. Other workplaces follow provincial or territorial law.

RuleWhat applies
National public holidaysPublic holidaysThe Canada Labour Code defines 10 general holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed on 30 September), Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. [1]
Number of national public holidaysPublic holidaysThe Canada Labour Code lists 10 general holidays. It applies to federally regulated work and businesses, not to most employers. [1]
Working on a public holidayPublic holidaysEvery employee covered is entitled to a holiday with pay on each general holiday and holiday pay of at least one twentieth of the wages earned in the previous four weeks. An employee who is required to work on the day is paid, on top of the holiday pay, at least one and a half times the regular rate for the time worked. [1]
Shop opening on public holidaysPublic holidays⚠ Not yet verified
Holiday falling on a weekendPublic holidaysIf a general holiday falls on a day off, the employee gets a paid holiday at another time. If New Year's Day, Canada Day, 30 September, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a non-working Saturday or Sunday, the employee gets a paid holiday on the working day just before or after it. [1]

Notes

  • The Act text does not give 2026 dates. Good Friday, Victoria Day, Labour Day and Thanksgiving Day move each year.
  • This is federal law and applies to federally regulated employers only. Provinces and territories set the holidays for most other workplaces.
  • Shop opening on holidays is set by provincial and territorial law, so there is no single national rule.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws): Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.