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Alberta, one of Canada’s vibrant provinces, recognizes a series of statutory holidays that provide residents with well-deserved breaks throughout the year. These holidays are not only a time for relaxation and celebration but also reflect the cultural and historical significance of the region. These holidays offer an opportunity for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and reflect on important events and traditions.
This article will provide a detailed overview of all the statutory holidays in Alberta for 2026. You’ll discover the history and significance of each holiday, along with the rules for statutory holiday pay.
Whether it’s enjoying a festive meal, participating in community events, or simply taking a day off to unwind, Alberta’s statutory holidays play a crucial role in the social and cultural fabric of the province.
| QUICK LINKS | |
|---|---|
| Alberta Statutory Holidays for 2026-2027 | Alberta Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google |
| Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms | More Alberta Holidays FAQs |
Alberta Statutory Holidays for 2026 – 2027
Every province in Canada, including Alberta, designates statutory holidays to commemorate cultural and historical events. On these days, employees are entitled to a paid day off or must receive premium pay if they work.
The rules for statutory holidays in Alberta are specified in the Employment Standards Code.
| STAT HOLIDAY | 2027 | 2026 | OBSERVANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Fri | January 1, Thu | National, Federal |
| Family Day | February 15, Mon | February 16, Mon | Federal |
| Good Friday | March 26, Fri | April 3, Fri | National, Federal |
| Victoria Day | May 24, Mon | May 18, Mon | Federal (except NS, PEI & QC) |
| Canada Day | July 1, Thu | July 1, Wed | National, Federal (except MB) |
| Labour Day | September 6, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 11, Mon | October 12, Mon | Federal (except NS & PEI) |
| Remembrance Day | November 11, Thu | November 11, Wed | Federal (except MB, NS, ON & QC) |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Sat | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
| OPTIONAL HOLIDAY | |||
| Easter Monday* | March 29, Mon | April 6, Mon | Not a statutory holiday |
| Heritage Day* | August 2, Mon | August 3, Mon | Not a statutory holiday |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation* | September 30, Thu | September 30, Wed | Not a statutory holiday |
| Boxing Day* | December 26, Sun | December 26, Sat | Not a statutory holiday |
* – Optional
Important Notes
- Easter Monday – Optional Holiday – Not a statutory holiday in Alberta.
- Heritage Day – Optional Holiday – Provincial observance; not a statutory holiday in Alberta.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Federal Holiday – Federal holiday; not a statutory holiday in Alberta.
- Boxing Day – Optional Holiday – Not a statutory holiday in Alberta.
Alberta 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 Alberta, Boxing Day is not recognized as a public holiday, but some non-retail companies observe it as such.
- that Remembrance Day is observed in the province.
- that Family Day, third Monday of February, is a statutory holiday.
- that Heritage Day, which falls on the first Monday of August, is not officially recognized as a public holiday in Canada. However, some people and businesses choose to observe it as a day off. It is equivalent to the Civic Holiday celebrated in other parts of the country.
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
New to Canada? Don’t miss our Newcomers to Canada: The Ultimate Guide, your complete step-by-step resource for settling in Canada.
Alberta Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google
This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Alberta, 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 Alberta?
Yes, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is observed on November 11th each year.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Alberta?
No, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is considered an optional holiday, meaning employers can choose to give their employees the day off, but they are not required to do so.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
No, Boxing Day is not a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is an optional holiday. Many non-retail businesses may choose to observe it, but it is not mandated by law.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
No, Civic Holiday is not a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is commonly observed by various institutions, but it is not recognized as a statutory holiday by the provincial government.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes, Family Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta. Celebrated on the third Monday in February, it was established to give people time to spend with their families and to provide a break between New Year’s Day and Easter.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes, Good Friday is a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most businesses and government offices are closed on this day.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta. Celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25th, it honors Queen Victoria’s birthday and marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October and is a day for giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
No, Truth and Reconciliation Day is not a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is an optional holiday observed on September 30th to honor the survivors of residential schools and to promote reconciliation.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes, Labour Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, it honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
Is Heritage Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
No, Heritage Day is not a statutory holiday in Alberta. It is considered an optional general holiday, meaning that while many businesses and organizations may choose to observe it, they are not required to do so by law.
More Alberta Holidays FAQs
Conclusion
Alberta’s general holidays provide a structured and well-balanced schedule of statutory days off throughout the year. These holidays ensure that employees have the opportunity to rest and spend time with their families. By recognizing these holidays, Alberta supports the well-being and work-life balance of its workforce, contributing to a more productive and satisfied community.
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Other Provinces Stat Holidays
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Government, Education & Living in Canada
- Are Banks Open Today (or Tomorrow)?
- Canada Benefits and Payment Dates
- CRA My Account Registration Guide
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) Application Guide
- My Service Canada Account (MSCA) Guide
- Food Banks in Canada Directory
- Best Universities in Canada
- Best Cities to Live in Canada
- Cheapest Places to Live in Canada
- Warmest Places to Live in Canada
- Buying a House in Canada Guide
Statistics and Information Sources:
- Government of Alberta, Canada website
- Link: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-general-holidays
