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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 2026, covering their history, significance, and the rules for statutory holiday pay.
| QUICK LINKS | |
|---|---|
| Nunavut Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026 | Nunavut Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google |
| Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms | More Nunavut Holidays FAQs |
Nunavut Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026
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.
| 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 |
| Victoria Day* | May 19, Mon | May 18, Mon | Federal (except NS, PEI & QC) |
| Canada Day | July 1, Tue | July 1, Wed | Federal |
| Nunavut Day* | July 9, Wed | July 9, Thu | Federal |
| Civic Holiday* | August 4, Mon | August 3, Mon | Federal |
| Labour Day | September 1, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation* | September 30, Tue | September 30, Wed | Federal |
| Thanksgiving Day* | October 13, Mon | October 12, Mon | Federal (except NS & PEI) |
| Remembrance Day* | November 11, Tue | November 11, Wed | Federal |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Thu | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
| OTHER PAID HOLIDAY | |||
| Easter Monday* | April 21, Mon | April 6, 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 |
* – Federal and/or Provincial
Important Notes
- Family Day* – Optional Holiday – Family Day is not recognized as a statutory holiday in Nunavut. Most businesses and workplaces operate as usual.
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.
Did You Know…
- that Nunavut Day, celebrated on July 9th, marks the official creation of Nunavut as a separate Canadian territory in 1999? It’s a relatively new holiday, reflecting the territory’s unique cultural and political identity.
- that Good Friday is not just a statutory holiday in Nunavut, but also part of a larger tradition of Easter observance across Canada? Many communities in Nunavut mark the day with church services and local customs.
- that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30th, was only recently established in 2021? It aims to honor the survivors and victims of residential schools, acknowledging a crucial part of Canada’s history.
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.
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 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 Nunavut?
Yes. Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. 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 statutory holiday pay.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Nunavut?
No. Easter Monday, observed the day after Easter Sunday, is not a statutory holiday under the Nunavut Labour Standards Act. However, it is recognized as an additional paid holiday for Government of Nunavut public service employees.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
No. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is not a statutory holiday under the Nunavut Labour Standards Act. However, it is recognized as an additional paid holiday for Government of Nunavut public service employees.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or statutory holiday pay.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
No. Family Day is not a statutory holiday in Nunavut. Unlike several Canadian provinces, Nunavut does not recognize Family Day as a public holiday under its Labour Standards Act.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or statutory holiday pay.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. Victoria Day, celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or statutory holiday pay.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or statutory holiday pay.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. It honors the survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system while promoting reflection and reconciliation.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Nunavut?
Yes. Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Nunavut. It recognizes the contributions of workers, and eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or statutory holiday pay.
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.
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Other Provinces Stat Holidays
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- 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 Nunavut, Canada website
- Link: https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/staff-resources/public-service-holidays
