Ontario residents and businesses alike are looking for public holidays, known as statutory holidays or stat holidays. These holidays are key dates when most workers in the province are entitled to take the day off with pay or receive premium pay if they work. For both employers and employees, understanding these dates and the rules surrounding holiday pay is essential for ensuring smooth operations and compliance with labour laws.
In this article, we’ll break down the 2024-2025 statutory holidays in Ontario, explain eligibility for holiday pay, and highlight the rules for those who work on these days. Whether you’re planning personal time off or managing employee payroll, this guide will help you stay on top of everything you need to know.
Stat Holidays Ontario 2024-2025
Statutory holidays are a fundamental part of Ontario’s labour system, ensuring workers get time to rest or receive additional pay for working on these special days. Knowing the dates and understanding how to calculate holiday pay will help both employees and employers comply with labour regulations. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can make the most out of Ontario’s statutory holidays in 2024 and 2025, whether you’re taking a well-deserved break or earning extra by working on these days.
| Holiday | Date in 2024 | Date in 2025 | Pay Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 | Paid day off or premium pay if working |
| Family Day | February 19, 2024 | February 17, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Good Friday | March 29, 2024 | April 18, 2025 | Paid day off or premium pay if working |
| Victoria Day | May 20, 2024 | May 19, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Canada Day | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Labour Day | September 2, 2024 | September 1, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 14, 2024 | October 13, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2024 | December 25, 2025 | Paid day off |
| Boxing Day | December 26, 2024 | December 26, 2025 | Paid day off |
What Are Statutory Holidays?
Statutory holidays are government-designated days when employees are entitled to a day off with pay. These holidays are important for workers’ rights, as they ensure time for relaxation and spending time with loved ones. In Ontario, nine statutory holidays are observed by most employers and employees, regardless of industry.
However, not all holidays are created equal. For example, Remembrance Day and the Civic Holiday (first Monday in August) are not statutory holidays in Ontario, but some employers may choose to offer them as paid holidays.
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Ontario’s Statutory Holidays for 2024
For 2024, Ontario’s statutory holidays are as follows:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Monday)
- Family Day: February 19 (Monday)
- Good Friday: March 29 (Friday)
- Victoria Day: May 20 (Monday)
- Canada Day: July 1 (Monday)
- Labour Day: September 2 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day: October 14 (Monday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Wednesday)
- Boxing Day: December 26 (Thursday)
Ontario’s Statutory Holidays for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the statutory holidays will be:
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Wednesday)
- Family Day: February 17 (Monday)
- Good Friday: April 18 (Friday)
- Victoria Day: May 19 (Monday)
- Canada Day: July 1 (Tuesday)
- Labour Day: September 1 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving Day: October 13 (Monday)
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)
- Boxing Day: December 26 (Friday)
How Statutory Holiday Pay Works
To qualify for statutory holiday pay in Ontario, you need to fulfill the “first and last” rule, which means you must have worked your last scheduled shift before the holiday and your first shift after the holiday. Failing to do so without a valid reason can make you ineligible for holiday pay.
Holiday pay is calculated by taking the wages earned in the four workweeks prior to the holiday and dividing that number by 20. This formula ensures that employees receive fair compensation during statutory holidays, even if they are not working on those days.
For example, if you worked an average of 40 hours per week at a rate of $20/hour during the four weeks leading up to the holiday, your holiday pay would be:
[
\text{Holiday Pay} = \frac{(40 \times 20) \times 4}{20} = 160 \text{ dollars}
]
Working on a Statutory Holiday
If you have to work on a statutory holiday, you are entitled to premium pay. This is usually 1.5 times your regular hourly wage, in addition to your holiday pay. Some employers may also offer a substitute day off later in the year.
For example, if your regular pay is $20/hour and you work 8 hours on a statutory holiday, you would earn:
[
\text{Premium Pay} = 1.5 \times 20 \times 8 = 240 \text{ dollars}
]
This would be added to your regular holiday pay, giving you a total of $400 for that day.
What Happens If a Statutory Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
If a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, you still have the right to receive the holiday pay. In most cases, your employer can either grant you a substitute day off with pay or provide holiday pay for the actual holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the next statutory holiday in Ontario?
The next statutory holiday is New Year’s Day on January 1, 2024.
2. How many statutory holidays are there in Ontario?
Ontario recognizes nine statutory holidays each year.
3. What happens if I work on a statutory holiday?
If you work on a statutory holiday, you are entitled to premium pay, which is 1.5 times your regular hourly wage, in addition to holiday pay.
4. Can my employer make me work on a statutory holiday?
Yes, but only if you agree. If you work, your employer must either pay you premium pay or provide a substitute holiday.
