Canadian Statutory Holidays 2026

Canada's statutory holiday system is more complex than many workers realize because it operates on two levels: federal and provincial. The federal government establishes a core set of statutory holidays that apply to employees in federally regulated industries, including banking, telecommunications, air transportation, and interprovincial shipping. Meanwhile, each of Canada's ten provinces and three territories maintains its own list of public holidays under provincial or territorial employment standards legislation. This means that the number of paid days off you receive depends not only on where you work but also on the industry you work in.

In 2026, the six federal statutory holidays are New Year's Day (January 1, a Thursday), Good Friday (April 3), Canada Day (July 1, a Wednesday), Labour Day (September 7, a Monday), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, a Wednesday), and Christmas Day (December 25, a Friday). These are the minimum holidays that federally regulated employers must provide. Many provinces add holidays such as Family Day in February, Victoria Day in May, Thanksgiving in October, and Remembrance Day on November 11. Some provinces also recognize Civic Holiday on the first Monday in August, though the name and legal status of this day varies.

For payroll purposes, statutory holidays have a direct effect on when your pay arrives. Canadian banks close on all federal statutory holidays, and Payments Canada does not process Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) transactions on those days. If your regular payday falls on a statutory holiday, your employer will typically issue payment one business day earlier. For biweekly pay schedules, this is especially important to track because a holiday in the middle of the week can shift not just one payment but also affect the processing window for expense reimbursements, bonuses, and other payroll items.

Provincial holidays add another layer of complexity. If you live in Ontario and work for a provincially regulated employer, you are entitled to nine public holidays, including Family Day, Victoria Day, Civic Holiday, Thanksgiving Day, and Boxing Day in addition to the federal holidays. In Quebec, the list includes the National Holiday (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) on June 24 instead of some holidays observed elsewhere. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Maritime provinces each have their own variations. Understanding which holidays apply to your specific situation is essential for accurate budgeting and financial planning throughout the year.

Use our payday calculator below to map your personal pay schedule against all applicable Canadian holidays in 2026. By entering your pay frequency and next expected payday, you can see at a glance which paydays may be shifted and plan your expenses accordingly. This is particularly useful if you have automatic bill payments or other financial obligations that depend on your pay arriving on a specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many statutory holidays does Canada have in 2026?

Canada recognizes six federal statutory holidays that apply to all federally regulated employees in 2026: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Christmas Day. However, most provinces and territories add their own statutory holidays to this list, bringing the total to between eight and twelve paid days off depending on where you live and work. For example, Ontario observes nine public holidays, while Alberta recognizes nine as well but with a slightly different list. It is important to check both federal and provincial calendars to know exactly which days your employer is required to give you off with pay.

What happens if a statutory holiday falls on my payday?

When a Canadian statutory holiday falls on your scheduled payday, your employer will typically process payroll one business day earlier so that funds arrive in your bank account before the holiday. Canadian banks close on statutory holidays, meaning the Payments Canada clearing system does not settle transactions on those days. If your employer uses direct deposit through the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS), the payment must be submitted at least one business day before the holiday to ensure it clears on time. If your payday falls on a Monday holiday, many employers will pay you the preceding Friday instead. Always check with your payroll department for your company's specific policy.

Are Canadian statutory holidays the same in every province?

No, Canadian statutory holidays vary significantly from province to province. The federal government sets a baseline of statutory holidays that apply to federally regulated industries such as banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation. Each province and territory then establishes its own list of public holidays under provincial employment standards legislation. For instance, Family Day is observed in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick but on different dates in February depending on the province. Quebec celebrates the National Holiday (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) on June 24, which is unique to that province. Civic Holiday in August is observed in some provinces but not others, and its name varies, including British Columbia Day, Saskatchewan Day, and New Brunswick Day.

Is Boxing Day a statutory holiday in Canada?

Boxing Day, December 26, is not a federal statutory holiday in Canada, but it is recognized as a statutory holiday in Ontario under the Employment Standards Act. In most other provinces, Boxing Day is treated as a regular working day from a legal standpoint, though many employers choose to give staff the day off as part of the extended Christmas break. In Ontario, employers covered by the Retail Business Holidays Act must close on Boxing Day unless they meet specific exemption criteria. For payroll purposes, if your employer does observe Boxing Day as a paid holiday, it can push payroll processing back an additional day beyond Christmas, meaning direct deposits scheduled for late December may arrive two or more days earlier than the calendar date.

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