Stat Holidays Ontario 2024: Dates, Pay, and Rules

Introduction

Statutory holidays, or public holidays, are special days when most employees in Ontario get a paid day off. There are nine statutory holidays in Ontario. Employees working on these days get either premium pay plus holiday pay or regular pay plus a substitute day off with holiday pay.

List of 2024 Statutory Holidays in Ontario

The following holidays are recognized as statutory holidays in Ontario:

• New Year’s Day—January 1
• Family Day—third Monday in February
• Good Friday—Friday before Easter Sunday
• Victoria Day—Monday before May 25
• Canada Day—July 1
• Labour Day—first Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day—second Monday in October
• Christmas Day—December 25
• Boxing Day—December 26

Additionally, some federal holidays affect certain workplaces:

• Easter Monday—Monday after Easter Sunday
• Civic Holiday—first Monday in August
• National Day of Truth and Reconciliation—September 30
• Remembrance Day—November 11

Eligibility for Statutory Holiday Pay

Most employees in Ontario are entitled to stat holiday pay if they meet the “first and last rule.” This includes full-time, part-time, permanent, and term contract employees, regardless of how recently they were hired.

Calculating Statutory Holiday Pay

Stat holiday pay is calculated by adding the employee’s regular wages from the four weeks before the holiday plus any vacation pay, then dividing by 20.

• For regular holiday pay when the employee has the day off: Calculate the wages earned in the previous four weeks (including vacation pay) and divide by 20.
• For employees working on stat holidays: They get paid time and a half OR a different day off later in the calendar year in lieu of the holiday.
• For everyone: Paid holidays are in addition to vacation days and cannot replace a vacation day.

For example, if an employee takes a vacation from June 30 to July 8, they’re still entitled to Canada Day holiday pay.

Premium Pay and Substitute Holiday Pay

Employees working on a statutory holiday with written consent can receive holiday pay plus premium pay (1½ times their regular pay) for all hours worked on the holiday. Alternatively, they can opt for their regular wages plus a substitute day off with holiday pay.

Statutory Holiday Pay on Termination

When an employee's employment is terminated, the employer must pay any accrued public holiday pay. This ensures that employees are compensated fairly, even if they couldn’t take their substitute holiday due to termination.

Managing Statutory Holiday Entitlements

Employers should establish a clear policy on statutory holiday pay and include it in the employee handbook. This helps employees understand their rights and ensures that employers comply with Ontario's labor laws. A well-defined policy also helps prevent misunderstandings and legal issues.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly managing statutory holiday pay is essential for both employers and employees. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can ensure fair treatment of employees and compliance with Ontario's employment standards. Clear policies and consistent practices will help maintain a positive workplace environment and avoid potential legal complications.