Understanding Statutory Holidays in Ontario for 2024 and 2025
Statutory holidays in Ontario provide employees with valuable time to rest or, if they work on these days, earn extra compensation. Both workers and employers should be familiar with these holidays, the associated pay guidelines, and what happens when employees work on a stat day. Let’s explore the key details for statutory holidays in Ontario for the years 2024 and 2025.
Ontario’s Statutory Holiday Calendar for 2024 and 2025
Here is the full list of statutory holidays in Ontario for 2024 and 2025:
| Holiday | 2024 Date | 2025 Date | Pay Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
What Are Statutory Holidays?
Statutory holidays, also known as “stat holidays,” are specific days designated by the government when employees are entitled to a paid day off. If employees are required to work on a statutory holiday, they are eligible for premium pay, and in some cases, a substitute day off.
It’s important to note that not all public holidays are considered statutory holidays in Ontario. For instance, Civic Holiday (the first Monday in August) and Remembrance Day are not statutory holidays, though some employers may still offer paid time off.
Statutory Holiday Pay Rules
To qualify for statutory holiday pay in Ontario, employees must follow the “first and last” rule, which requires that:
- You must work your last scheduled shift before the holiday.
- You must work your first scheduled shift after the holiday.
If an employee misses either shift without a valid reason, they may lose eligibility for statutory holiday pay.
How Is Holiday Pay Calculated?
Holiday pay is calculated using the following formula:
Holiday Pay = (Total Wages Earned in the 4 Weeks Before the Holiday) ÷ 20
For example, if an employee earns $3,200 in the four weeks prior to the holiday, their holiday pay would be calculated as:
$3,200 ÷ 20 = $160
Thus, the employee would be entitled to $160 in holiday pay.
Working on a Statutory Holiday
Employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to premium pay, which is 1.5 times their regular hourly wage, in addition to their holiday pay.
For example, if an employee’s hourly wage is $20 and they work 8 hours on a stat holiday, their premium pay would be:
1.5 × 20 × 8 = $240
Adding the $160 holiday pay, the total earnings for that day would be $400.
Some employers may choose to offer a substitute day off with pay instead of premium pay.
Statutory Holidays on Weekends
When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, employees are still entitled to their holiday benefits. In this case, employers typically provide one of the following options:
- A substitute day off with pay on a different date.
- Holiday pay for the actual holiday.
Planning Ahead
Understanding the dates for statutory holidays and the associated pay rules is crucial for both employees and employers. Employees can plan their time off or prepare for additional earnings, while employers can ensure smooth payroll processing and compliance with Ontario’s labor laws.
Whether you’re earning extra by working on a stat holiday or simply enjoying a paid day off, being informed about these holidays helps everyone maximize the benefits of these special days.
