Quick Summary:
The Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August, is inconsistently recognized across Canada. It is a statutory holiday in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, where most employees are entitled to a paid day off. However, in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, it is not legislated as a statutory holiday, meaning employers are not required to provide a paid day off. Employees in these regions may have an unpaid day off if not working or receive regular pay if they do work.
The Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August, is one of Canada’s most inconsistently treated holidays. Whether you’re entitled to a paid day off depends entirely on where you work.
Short Answer: It Depends on Your Province or Territory
Unlike holidays such as Canada Day or Labour Day, the Civic Holiday is not recognized nationwide as a statutory holiday. Some provinces and territories require employers to provide a paid day off for qualifying employees, while others do not.
Where the Civic Holiday Is a Paid Statutory Holiday
In the following jurisdictions, the Civic Holiday is considered a statutory (paid) holiday, and most employees are entitled to a day off with pay under the provincial or territorial employment standards:
British Columbia – BC Day
New Brunswick – New Brunswick Day
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Day
Northwest Territories and Nunavut – Civic Holiday
In these regions:
Employers are typically required to observe the holiday.
If you qualify under your province’s rules, you’ll receive stat holiday pay, even if you don’t work.
If you do work on this day, you may be entitled to premium pay (e.g., time-and-a-half), depending on local legislation.
Where the Civic Holiday Is Not a Paid Statutory Holiday
In all other provinces and territories—including Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia—the Civic Holiday is not legislated as a statutory holiday. In these cases:
Employers are not required to provide a paid day off.
If the client’s business is closed, and you do not work, this will be an unpaid day off.
If you do work, you’ll be paid your regular hourly rate.
Hypothetical Scenario
You’re a temporary employee working in Ontario, and the client’s office is closed for the Civic Holiday.
Outcome: Since Ontario doesn’t treat this as a statutory holiday, your day off will be unpaid. If you work, you’re paid your standard rate—no statutory holiday pay applies.
What If You're Unsure?
Your pay entitlements for the Civic Holiday depend on the province or territory where you work.
To learn more:
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Visit your province’s Employment Standards website. Here are some common ones:
Or, if you still have questions, submit a ticket using the button below.
Note: Statutory holiday entitlements apply to employees only, not to incorporated contractors or sole proprietors.