Ontario’s statutory holidays ensure employees have time to rest or earn premium pay for working on these designated days. Understanding these holidays and the associated pay rules is essential for both employees and employers to plan effectively and stay compliant with Ontario’s labour laws.
What Are Statutory Holidays?
Statutory holidays, or “stat holidays,” are government-mandated public holidays where employees are generally entitled to a paid day off. If employees work on a stat holiday, they must receive premium pay or a substitute day off.
In Ontario, there are nine statutory holidays observed province-wide. However, holidays like Remembrance Day and Civic Holiday are not statutory holidays but may be offered as paid days off by some employers.
Ontario Statutory Holidays for 2024 and 2025
| Holiday | 2024 Date | 2025 Date | Pay Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Monday) | January 1 (Wednesday) | Paid day off or premium pay if working |
| Family Day | February 19 (Monday) | February 17 (Monday) | Paid day off |
| Good Friday | March 29 (Friday) | April 18 (Friday) | Paid day off or premium pay if working |
| Victoria Day | May 20 (Monday) | May 19 (Monday) | Paid day off |
| Canada Day | July 1 (Monday) | July 1 (Tuesday) | Paid day off |
| Labour Day | September 2 (Monday) | September 1 (Monday) | Paid day off |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 14 (Monday) | October 13 (Monday) | Paid day off |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Wednesday) | December 25 (Thursday) | Paid day off |
| Boxing Day | December 26 (Thursday) | December 26 (Friday) | Paid day off |
How Statutory Holiday Pay Works
Eligibility for Holiday Pay
To qualify for statutory holiday pay, you must meet the “first and last” rule:
- Work your last scheduled shift before the holiday.
- Work your first scheduled shift after the holiday.
If you miss either shift without valid reasons, you may lose eligibility for holiday pay.
Holiday Pay Formula
Holiday pay is calculated using this formula:
Holiday Pay=Wages earned in the last 4 weeks20\text{Holiday Pay} = \frac{\text{Wages earned in the last 4 weeks}}{20}
For example, if you worked an average of 40 hours per week at $20/hour in the four weeks before the holiday:
Holiday Pay=(40×20)×420=160 dollars\text{Holiday Pay} = \frac{(40 \times 20) \times 4}{20} = 160 \text{ dollars}
Working on a Statutory Holiday
If you work on a stat holiday, Ontario law requires that you be paid 1.5 times your regular hourly wage (premium pay) in addition to your holiday pay. Alternatively, some employers may offer a substitute day off.
Example Calculation
If your hourly rate is $20 and you work 8 hours on a stat holiday:
Premium Pay=1.5×20×8=240 dollars\text{Premium Pay} = 1.5 \times 20 \times 8 = 240 \text{ dollars}
Combined with holiday pay, you would earn:
Total Pay=160+240=400 dollars\text{Total Pay} = 160 + 240 = 400 \text{ dollars}
Special Scenarios
Stat Holidays on Weekends
If a stat holiday falls on a weekend, employers typically offer:
- A substitute day off with pay.
- Holiday pay for the actual holiday.
Part-Time Employees
Part-time workers are also entitled to holiday pay. The calculation is based on their earnings during the previous four weeks.
Tips for Employers and Employees
For Employers:
- Plan schedules early to avoid last-minute disruptions.
- Ensure holiday pay calculations comply with the Employment Standards Act (ESA).
For Employees:
- Confirm your eligibility by meeting the “first and last” rule.
- Track your hours and pay to ensure proper compensation.
Ontario’s statutory holidays offer valuable rest days and opportunities for extra earnings. By understanding the rules, both employees and employers can make the most of these days while staying compliant with the law.
