New Brunswick, nestled in the heart of Canada’s Maritime provinces, offers a tapestry of statutory holidays that reflect its rich heritage and diverse culture. Each holiday in New Brunswick provides a special opportunity for residents to celebrate and reflect. From the warmth of Thanksgiving to the festive cheer of Christmas, and the patriotic pride of Canada Day, these holidays are woven into the fabric of community life.
With its natural beauty and welcoming spirit, New Brunswick’s holidays are more than just days off; they are a celebration of everything that makes the province unique.
This article will detail all the holidays in New Brunswick for 2026. You’ll also discover the history and significance of each holiday, as well as the rules for statutory holiday pay.
| QUICK LINKS | |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026 | New Brunswick Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google |
| Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms | More New Brunswick Holidays FAQs |
New Brunswick Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026
Each province in Canada, including New Brunswick, designates statutory holidays to honor cultural and historical events. On these days, employees are entitled to a paid day off or receive premium pay if they work.
The regulations for statutory holidays in New Brunswick are outlined in the Employment Standards Act.
| HOLIDAY | 2025 | 2026 | OBSERVANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Wed | January 1, Thu | National, Federal |
| Family Day* | February 17, Mon | February 16, Mon | Federal |
| Good Friday | April 18, Fri | April 3, Fri | National, Federal |
| Canada Day | July 1, Tue | July 1, Wed | National, Federal (except MB) |
| New Brunswick Day* | August 4, Mon | August 3, Mon | Federal |
| Labour Day | September 1, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| Remembrance Day* | November 11, Tue | November 11, Wed | Federal |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Thu | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
* – Federal and/or Provincial
New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick Day is observed on the first Monday in August (Civic Holiday).
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!
New Brunswick Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google
This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick?
Yes, it is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Held on November 11th, it’s a day to honor the sacrifices of military personnel in war. Activities often include ceremonies and moments of silence.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Not a statutory holiday, but following Easter Sunday, it’s often a quieter day with some businesses and schools closed.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Celebrated on December 26th. While not a statutory holiday, it’s still widely observed, often marked by post-Christmas sales and relaxation.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
No statutory Civic Holiday in New Brunswick, but the first Monday in August is often seen as a day off, varying by region.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
Yes, it is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Celebrated on the third Monday in February, it’s a day meant for families to spend time together, with various activities and events across the province.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
Yes, it is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by religious observances. It’s a day off work for many.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick, but it is considered a day of rest.
Though not a statutory holiday, it’s celebrated on the second Monday in October. It’s a day for giving thanks, often with family gatherings and feasts.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
No, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in New Brunswick?
Yes, it is a statutory holiday in New Brunswick.
More New Brunswick Holidays FAQs
Conclusion
New Brunswick’s statutory holidays offer a blend of cultural richness and historical significance that enhances the province’s community spirit. Recognizing and understanding these holidays is essential for effective vacation planning, allowing residents to optimize their time off.
Whether it’s celebrating the festive joy of Christmas or participating in the patriotic pride of Canada Day, knowing these dates ensures that you can align your personal and professional life seamlessly. These holidays not only provide a break from the daily routine but also offer opportunities to connect with the community and partake in cherished traditions.
Statistics and Information Sources:
- Government of New Brunswick, Canada website
- Link: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/elg/local_government/content/governance/content/days_of_rest_act.html
