The August Statutory Holiday, also more casually known as the August Long Weekend, holds a special place in Canadian statutory holiday legislation. It is one of Canada's oldest public holidays dating back to the late 1800s. This holiday falls on the first Monday of August and is recognized as a statutory holiday in 5 Canadian jurisdictions. However, in other regions, the decision to observe this day is left to the discretion of employers. It is a time for Canadians to enjoy a well-deserved break, relax, and spend quality time with family and friends amidst the summer season. Whether it's a day off to unwind or a chance to participate in community events, the August Civic Holiday is a cherished tradition across the country.
Below we've outlined some of the holiday legislation surrounding the August long weekend by jurisdiction. Employment standards legislation changes regularly in Canada and varies by province/territory - be sure to use the links provided below to confirm you are accessing the most up to date information.
British Columbia (B.C) is one of the 5 jurisdiction where the first Monday in August is recognized as a statutory holiday, known as B.C day. Employees who qualify are entitled to statutory holiday pay. Those who have the day off are entitled to pay equal to:
total wages ÷ number of days work (based on the 30 calendar days before the holiday)
Qualifying employees who work on this statutory holiday are entitled to pay at a rate of time-and-a-half for the hours they work on a statutory holiday, with employees receiving double time pay for any hours worked exceeding 12 hours.
In Saskatchewan, the first Monday in August is considered a paid public holiday, referred to as Saskatchewan Day. Typically in Saskatchewan, workers who are scheduled on a public holiday receive compensation at 1.5X times their standard hourly wage for their hours worked. The 1.5X pay rate is in addition to the regular day's pay calculation.
Employees who do not work on Saskatchewan Day are entitled to five per cent of their wages earned in the 28 days before a public holiday as public holiday pay, including vacation pay. This calculation does not include overtime and applies to new employees as well.
More information on Saskatchewan's public holiday pay can be found here.
The first Monday is August is a paid public holiday in New Brunswick referred to as (you guessed it!) New Brunswick Day. Employees must be employed for at least 90 calendar days during the 12 months before the public holiday to qualify for holiday pay, among other specific eligibility criteria outlined in this brochure from the New Brunswick Provincial government.
Qualifying employees who have the day off are entitled to a regular day's pay. If they work on New Brunswick day, they are entitled to a regular day’s pay + 1.5 times regular wages for hours worked.
A "regular day's pay'" is based on an employee's average day's pay, calculated from hours worked in the 30 days before the holiday (excluding overtime).
The first Monday in August is considered a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories.
Employees meeting holiday pay conditions receive an average day's pay if off work, or 1.5X pay plus average day's pay if working. Alternatively, the employer has the option to reschedule the holiday to a different day, providing the employee with a paid day off.
For employees in the Northwest Territories, overtime is typically compensated after 8 hours worked in a day and 40 hours in a regular workweek. However, during a week that includes a statutory holiday, overtime calculations kick in after 8 hours per day and 32 regular hours within that specific week.
The Civic Holiday in Nunavut coincides with the August long weekend, falling on the first Monday in August as well and is considered a paid general holiday in Nunavut.
Typically, if an employee does not work on the public holiday in Nunavut, they are entitled to their regular day's pay. However, if the employee does work on the holiday, they can either opt for a day off with pay or receive their normal day's pay along with 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for the hours worked on the holiday.
Alberta Heritage day falls on the first Monday in August but is not considered a paid general holiday in Alberta.
Employers in Alberta can choose to recognize additional holidays, beyond the provincially mandated general holidays. If an employer acknowledges an extra holiday, all employment regulations regarding holiday pay in connection to these additional holidays must be adhered to.
You can find more information on employee holiday pay in Alberta here.
The first Monday in August is referred to as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba. It is not paid general holiday, rather and option holiday, meaning employees who do not work on this day are not entitle to holiday pay. Observance of this holiday is at the discretion of the employer.
More information on Manitoba general holiday employment standards can be found here.
The August civic holiday is not one of the 9 paid public holidays in Ontario. Time off & holiday pay for this holiday are optional.
In Ontario, the formula for calculating holiday pay is generally as follows:
To calculate the public holiday pay entitlement, consider all the regular wages earned by the employee in the four weeks leading up to the work week containing the holiday, along with any vacation pay owed during that same period, then divide the total by 20.
Check out Ontario's guide to employment standards here.
In Quebec, there are no statutory holidays in August. Use this link to read more about statutory holidays and stat holiday pay in Quebec.
In Newfoundland there are 6 paid public holidays. The first Monday in August is not one of them. Of course, as is the case in other Canadian jurisdictions, employers in Newfoundland & Labrador may set different holidays using collective agreements in substitution for designated public holidays.
You can access the Newfoundland & Labrador Labour Standards relating to public holiday pay here.
Although not recognized as a statutory holiday, the first Monday in August is a popular civic holiday in the Halifax-Dartmouth area. Known as Natal Day, this optional non-statutory holiday exists to commemorate the found of Halifax.
Employers in Halifax may agree to grant their employees additional paid holidays such as Natal Day, however employees do not have the right to refuse work on these days.
Read more about statutory holidays in Halifax here.
Similarly, the first Monday in August is also called Natal Day in PEI and is not considered a paid holiday in Prince Edward Island.
More information on paid holidays in PEI can be found here.
Last but not least, Yukon. Although the first Monday in August is not recognized as a stat holiday in Yukon, there is a statutory holiday later in the month of August called Discovery Day, which falls on the third Monday in August.
Read more about statutory holidays in Yukon here.
In conclusion, the August Statutory Holiday is recognized as a paid holiday in some jurisdictions, and left to the discretion of employers in others. Understanding the legislation surrounding holiday pay in your region is crucial for both employers and employees. Whether you are enjoying the day off or working during this holiday, it is important to know your rights and entitlements. As the summer season continues, take the time to relax, spend time with loved ones, and participate in community events. For more detailed information on holiday pay regulations in your area, refer to the links provided in this blog post. You can also access PayTrak's 2024 Ultimate Payroll Guide here.