Stat Holidays Ontario 2026: All Public Holidays You Need to Know / Jours fériés en Ontario 2026 : tous les jours fériés à connaître

Ontario is known for its excellent work-life balance and flexible work options, though many people still encounter work-related stress. For businesses, understanding the different types of holidays and holiday pay—such as legal, federal, statutory, and provincial holidays—is crucial. These holidays can influence your business operations, so it’s important to be informed and manage them effectively.

This article will detail all the holidays in Ontario for 2026. You’ll also discover the history and significance of each holiday, as well as the rules for statutory holiday pay.

Whether you’re planning your time off or just interested in local traditions, you’ll find all the key information here. Let’s explore Ontario’s holidays and make the most of your time off!

Ontario Statutory Holidays for 2026 – 2027

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

* – Federal and/or Provincial

Ontario 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

Ontario Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google

This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Ontario, 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 Ontario?

In Ontario, Remembrance Day is not considered a statutory holiday. While it is a significant day to honor and remember the sacrifices of military personnel, it does not provide a day off for most workers in the province. However, many businesses and schools may observe a moment of silence at 11:00 AM.

Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Ontario?

Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. Although it follows Easter Sunday and is a public holiday in some parts of Canada, in Ontario, it is treated as a regular working day for most employees. Schools and government offices may be closed, but businesses typically remain open.

Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It is a day when many people take advantage of post-Christmas sales, and most employees are entitled to a day off with pay. If they work, they receive additional compensation as per statutory holiday pay rules.

Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

The first Monday in August is known as Civic Holiday in Ontario, but it is not a statutory holiday. It is a public holiday that provides a long weekend for many, but employers are not required to give employees the day off or provide holiday pay.

Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Family Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It was introduced to give families the opportunity to spend time together and enjoy a break during the winter months. Employees are entitled to a day off with pay, or extra pay if they work.

Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Good Friday, which falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most businesses and schools are closed, and employees receive a day off with pay.

Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Victoria Day, celebrated on the last Monday before May 25th, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It marks the birthday of Queen Victoria and is often considered the unofficial start of summer. Employees are entitled to a day off with pay, and many people enjoy outdoor activities and fireworks.

Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Thanksgiving, observed on the second Monday in October, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It is a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Employees are entitled to a day off with pay, and many families gather for a festive meal.

Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed on September 30th, is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. It is a day to honor the survivors of residential schools and reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of these institutions. While it is a statutory holiday in some provinces, Ontario has not designated it as such.

Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a statutory holiday in Ontario. It honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. Employees are entitled to a day off with pay, and many people enjoy the long weekend with various activities and events.

More Ontario Holidays FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding the statutory holidays in Ontario for 2026 is essential for planning your year, whether for personal relaxation, family gatherings, or cultural celebrations. These holidays not only provide a break from the routine but also offer an opportunity to appreciate the diverse traditions and history that shape Ontario. By being aware of these dates, you can make the most of your time off and participate in the various festivities and observances throughout the year.

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Other Provinces Stat Holidays

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

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