Stat Holidays Nunavut 2024 – 2025: All Public Holidays You Need to Know

Last Updated on March 13, 2025

Nunavut, the vast and remote territory in Canada’s Arctic, celebrates a variety of statutory holidays that reflect its unique cultural heritage and stunning natural environment. From the quiet reflection of Remembrance Day to the festive joy of Christmas, these holidays offer moments of togetherness and community celebration. Nunavut also honors National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the diverse cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Each holiday here blends tradition with the serene beauty of the northern landscape.

This article will detail all the holidays in Nunavut for 2024 – 2025, covering their history, significance, and the rules for statutory holiday pay.

Nunavut Statutory Holidays for 2024 – 2025

Each province in Canada, including Nunavut, 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 Nunavut are outlined in the Employment Standards Act.

* – Federal and/or Provincial

Nunavut 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.

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

Nunavut Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google

This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Nunavut, including dates, significance, and how they are observed.

How Many Days in 2025?

In 2025, 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 Nunavut?

Yes, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. It is observed on November 11th to honor the sacrifices of military personnel who have served in wars. The day is marked by ceremonies, moments of silence, and wreath-laying events.

Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, Easter Monday is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. It follows Good Friday and is part of the Easter holiday period, often marked by religious observances and family gatherings.

Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

No, Boxing Day is not a statutory holiday in Nunavut. While it is widely celebrated in other parts of Canada, it is not recognized as a statutory holiday in this territory.

Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, the Civic Holiday is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. It is observed on the first Monday in August and is often used for community events and celebrations.

Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

No, Family Day is not a statutory holiday in Nunavut. However, it is celebrated in some other Canadian provinces as a day for families to spend time together.

Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, Good Friday is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by religious observances and church services.

Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. It is celebrated on the Monday before May 25th to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday and unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

No, Thanksgiving is not a statutory holiday in Nunavut. However, it is celebrated on the second Monday in October as a day for giving thanks, often with family gatherings and feasts.

Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. Observed on September 30th, it honors the victims and survivors of residential schools and recognizes the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities.

Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?

Yes, Labour Day is a statutory holiday in Nunavut. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, it honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement, often marked by parades and public events.

More Nunavut Holidays FAQs

Conclusion

Nunavut’s statutory holidays are integral to celebrating the territory’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding these holidays is essential for making informed vacation plans, allowing residents to fully enjoy their time off.

Whether it’s celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day or reveling in the festive spirit of Christmas, knowing these dates in advance helps you balance personal and professional life effectively. These holidays not only offer a much-needed break but also create opportunities to connect with the community and appreciate Nunavut’s unique traditions.