Plan Your Year Smarter! Looking for holidays in other provinces? Explore our complete Canada Statutory Holidays 2026 guide to compare holiday dates across the country and plan your vacations, long weekends, and time off with confidence.
Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost province of Canada, boasts a unique blend of cultural influences reflected in its statutory holidays. These holidays offer islanders and mainlanders a chance to celebrate their vibrant heritage and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding them. From the local traditions of St. Patrick’s Day to the reflective solemnity of Remembrance Day, each holiday holds a special place in the hearts of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans.
Whether it’s a festive Christmas by the sea or a spirited Canada Day filled with community events, these holidays foster a sense of togetherness and pride.
This article will detail all the holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador for 2026. You’ll also discover the history and significance of each holiday, as well as the rules for statutory holiday pay.
Newfoundland and Labrador Statutory Holidays for 2025-2026
Each province in Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 Newfoundland and Labrador are outlined in the Employment Standards Act.
| STAT 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 |
| Memorial Day (Canada Day)* | July 1, Tue | July 1, Wed | Federal |
| Labour Day | September 1, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| Armistice Day (Remembrance Day)* | November 11, Tue | November 11, Wed | Federal |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Thu | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
| OTHER GOV’T PAID HOLIDAY | |||
| Saint Patrick’s Day* | March 17, Mon | March 16, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Saint George’s Day* | April 21, Mon | April 20, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Victoria Day* | May 19, Mon | May 18, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| June Holiday* | June 23, Mon | June 22, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Orangeman’s Day* | July 14, Mon | July 13, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation* | September 30, Tue | September 30, Wed | Not a stat holiday |
| Thanksgiving Day* | October 13, Mon | October 12, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Boxing Day* | December 26, Fri | December 26, Sat | Not a stat holiday |
| OPTIONAL HOLIDAY | |||
| Family Day* | Feb 17, Mon | Feb 16, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Easter Monday* | Apr 21, Mon | Apr 6, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Civic Holiday* | Aug 4, Mon | Aug 3, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
* – Federal and/or Provincial
Important Notes
- Family Day* – Optional Holiday – Family Day is not observed as a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. Most businesses, schools, and government offices operate as usual.
- Easter Monday* – Optional Holiday – Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, some employers may choose to provide the day off.
- Civic Holiday (Natal Day)* – Optional Holiday – Civic Holiday is not officially observed in Newfoundland and Labrador as a statutory holiday. Most businesses and workplaces remain open.
Newfoundland and Labrador 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…
- Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes six statutory holidays for most employees. Provincial government employees may receive eight additional paid holidays, bringing their total to 14 paid holidays annually.
- that Newfoundland and Labrador celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a statutory holiday on March 17th? This reflects the province’s strong Irish heritage and the historical significance of the Irish community in the region.
- that Memorial Day, also known as Canada Day, is observed on July 1st in Newfoundland and Labrador? It’s a day of national pride and celebration, marking the anniversary of the Constitution Act, 1867.
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.
Newfoundland and Labrador Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google
This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, is a statutory (paid public) holiday under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act. It honors the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans and members of the armed forces, and eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Easter Monday, observed the day after Easter Sunday, is not a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. While some employers may choose to provide the day off, most businesses operate as usual.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is not a statutory holiday under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act. However, some employers, including the provincial government, recognize it as an additional paid holiday.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August in many parts of Canada, is not a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. Most businesses and workplaces operate as usual unless an employer chooses to observe it.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Family Day is not a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. While several Canadian provinces celebrate Family Day in February, it is not recognized as a public holiday under the province’s Labour Standards Act.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a statutory (paid public) holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Victoria Day, celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25, is not a statutory holiday under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act. However, it is recognized as an additional paid holiday for many provincial government employees.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is not a statutory holiday under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act. However, some employers, including the provincial government, recognize it as an additional paid holiday.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30, is not a statutory holiday under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act. However, it is recognized as an additional paid holiday for provincial government employees and a federal holiday for federally regulated workplaces.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a statutory (paid public) holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. It recognizes the contributions of workers, and eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
More Newfoundland and Labrador Holidays FAQs
Conclusion
Newfoundland and Labrador’s statutory holidays are a vital part of the province’s cultural and historical tapestry. Understanding these holidays not only deepens your appreciation of the region’s rich heritage but also aids in efficient vacation planning. By knowing these dates in advance, residents can strategically align their vacation plans to make the most of their time off.
Whether it’s celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with local traditions or enjoying the festive cheer of Christmas, being aware of these holidays ensures a balanced and enriching work-life schedule. These holidays provide moments to connect with the community and embrace the unique spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Read More Helpful Resources on All Review
Looking for more Canadian resources? Browse our collection of in-depth guides covering government benefits, housing, education, banking, and much more—all designed to help you navigate life in Canada with confidence.
Other Provinces Stat Holidays
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- 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 Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada website
- Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/exec/tbs/policies/working-hours/holidays/
- Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/labour/nonunion/lsaissues/
