Quebec, with its rich blend of French and Canadian culture, observes a unique set of statutory holidays that reflect its heritage and values. From Fête Nationale, celebrating Quebecois culture, to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, which honors the patron saint of French Canadians, these holidays provide a glimpse into the province’s vibrant traditions and history. Each statutory holiday offers residents a chance to celebrate, reflect, and spend time with loved ones, contributing to Quebec’s distinct cultural identity within Canada.
This article will detail all the holidays in Quebec for 2026. You’ll also discover the history and significance of each holiday, as well as the rules for statutory holiday pay.
Whether you’re planning your time off or just interested in local traditions, you’ll find all the key information here. Let’s explore Quebec’s holidays and make the most of your time off!
| QUICK LINKS | |
|---|---|
| Quebec Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026 | Quebec Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google |
| Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms | More Quebec Holidays FAQs |
Quebec Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026
Each province in Canada, including Quebec, designates statutory holidays to commemorate its cultural and historical milestones. On these days, employees are entitled to a paid day off or receive premium pay if they work.
The regulations for statutory holidays in Quebec are outlined in the Quebec Labour Standards Act.
| HOLIDAY | 2025 | 2026 | OBSERVANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Wed | January 1, Thu | National, Federal |
| Good Friday | April 18, Fri | April 3, Fri | National, Federal |
| Easter Monday* | April 21, Mon | April 6, Mon | Federal |
| National Patriotes Day* | May 19, Mon | May 18, Mon | Federal |
| Fête Nationale (St. John the Baptist Day)* | June 24, Tue | June 24, Wed | Federal |
| Canada Day | July 1, Tue | July 1, Wed | National, Federal (except MB) |
| Labour Day | September 1, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| Thanksgiving Day* | October 13, Mon | October 12, Mon | Federal (except NS & PEI) |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Thu | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
* – Federal and/or Provincial
Quebec Stat Holidays Pay Rules
Most eligible employees have the right to take public holidays off and receive public holiday pay.
However, if an employee agrees (either electronically or in writing) to work on a public holiday, they have two options for compensation:
Regular wages plus a substitute holiday: The employee will be paid their regular wages for all hours worked on the public holiday. Additionally, they will receive another day off as a substitute holiday, for which they will be paid public holiday pay.
Public holiday pay plus premium pay: The employee will receive public holiday pay along with premium pay for all hours worked on the holiday. In this case, they will not get an additional day off, which is known as a “substitute” holiday.
Did You Know…
- that in Quebec either Good Friday or Easter Monday must be given as a paid statutory holiday, however many businesses will give both days.
- that in Quebec Construction Holiday takes place during the last two weeks of July – while it applies officially only to the construction industry, many other Quebecers arrange to take their vacations during these two weeks..
Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms
Canada celebrates numerous holidays throughout the year, both federal and provincial, each with its own special significance. These holidays often involve time off work and various events or activities. In this article, we will explain key terms related to holidays in Canada, such as statutory holidays, public holidays, observed holidays and more.
Full-Time Employment and Holiday Pay
Full-time employees have specific entitlements regarding holiday pay:
- Indeterminate Full-Time Workers: You are entitled to paid leave on all statutory holidays. If a holiday coincides with your scheduled day of rest, it will be moved to your next working day.
- Casual or Term Full-Time Employees: To qualify for holiday pay, you must work either the day immediately before or the day immediately after the statutory holiday.
For more detailed information, including specific terms and conditions related to your employment classification, refer to your collective agreement and other relevant employment guidelines
Leave Without Pay and Holiday Pay
If you take leave without pay for the entire day immediately before and after a statutory holiday, you will not be eligible for holiday pay. For more detailed information, including specific terms and conditions related to your employment classification, refer to your collective agreement and other relevant employment guidelines
Compressed Work Week and Holiday Pay
If you work a compressed work week, you are required to compensate for the difference between the statutory holiday hours and your compressed hours. To understand the specific practices and requirements in your department, consult with your manager or human resources
Premium Pay
Premium pay refers to the additional compensation employees receive for working under certain conditions, such as on public holidays or during overtime. Typically, premium pay is calculated at 1.5 times the employee’s regular pay rate. For example, if an employee’s regular hourly rate is $20, their premium pay rate would be $30 per hour.
This type of pay is often applied to hours worked on public holidays, ensuring that employees are fairly compensated for working during times when most people have the day off
Substitute Holiday
A substitute holiday is a day off given to employees when a public holiday falls on a non-working day, such as a weekend. This ensures that employees still receive the benefit of the holiday. The substitute holiday is typically scheduled on the next working day or another mutually agreed-upon day.
For example, if Canada Day (July 1st) falls on a Saturday, employees might get the following Monday off instead. The specific rules can vary by province and whether the employer is federally regulated
Plan Your Year with Ease! Discover all the statutory holidays in Canada for 2025, sorted by province. From New Year’s Day in January to Christmas in December, knowing these dates will help you plan your vacations, family time, and activities. Stay ahead and make the most of your time off!
Quebec Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google
This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Quebec, including dates, significance, and how they are observed.
How Many Days in 2026?
In 2026, there will be 365 days, which translates to 52 weeks and 1 extra day. This year will encompass 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, and a whopping 31,536,000 seconds. Essentially, it’s a non-leap year where each day counts towards a complete cycle of time, marking the rhythm of life with its usual pace.
Is Remembrance Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
No. In Quebec, Remembrance Day is not recognized as a statutory holiday. While it is observed and respected, it does not provide a day off for most workers in the province.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Quebec?
Yes. In Quebec, employers have the option to choose between Good Friday and Easter Monday as a statutory holiday. This means that while some businesses may close on Easter Monday, others may remain open if they observe Good Friday instead.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
No. Boxing Day, which falls on December 26th, is not a statutory holiday in Quebec. Unlike in some other provinces, businesses and services in Quebec typically do not close for this day.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
No. The Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August in many parts of Canada, is not a statutory holiday in Quebec. This day is not widely recognized or observed in the province.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
No. Family Day is not observed in Quebec. This holiday is celebrated in several other provinces on the third Monday in February, but Quebec does not recognize it as a statutory holiday.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
Yes. Similar to Easter Monday, employers in Quebec can choose to observe either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a statutory holiday. This means that some businesses may close on Good Friday while others may remain open if they observe Easter Monday instead.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
Yes. In Quebec, Victoria Day is celebrated as National Patriots’ Day. This day is a statutory holiday and is observed on the Monday preceding May 25th. It commemorates the struggle for democratic rights and freedoms in the province.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
Yes. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in Quebec, observed on the second Monday in October. It is a day for giving thanks and spending time with family and friends.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
No. This day, observed on September 30th, is not a statutory holiday in Quebec. While it is recognized and observed in some other provinces, Quebec has not adopted it as a statutory holiday.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Quebec?
Yes. Labour Day is a statutory holiday in Quebec, celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
More Quebec Holidays FAQs
Conclusion
Quebec’s statutory holidays are more than just days off work; they are vibrant celebrations of the province’s unique heritage and cultural identity. These holidays offer a glimpse into Quebec’s rich traditions, providing opportunities for residents to honor their past, enjoy their present, and look forward to their future. By observing these statutory holidays, Quebec maintains a strong connection to its historical roots while embracing the diverse and dynamic nature of its society.
Statistics and Information Sources:
- Government of Quebec, Canada website
- Link: https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/contact-us/holidays/
