Alberta has 9 general holidays, also referred to as statutory holidays. In Alberta, statutory holidays are significant as they are public holidays recognized by the government, where non-essential government services and many businesses are closed, and employees have a day off work, typically with pay. For those who do work on these days, there are usually special pay arrangements such as overtime pay or time in lieu, depending on the employer’s policy and the provincial legislation. The notion behind statutory holidays is to provide workers with a restful break from their regular duties and to commemorate or celebrate particular events and traditions.
The following table provides the dates on which these stat holidays land in 2024.
Optional General Holidays
In Alberta, optional general holidays are those that employers can choose to recognize or not. Unlike the standard statutory holidays that must be recognized across the province, optional general holidays are often at the discretion of the employer and may include days like Easter Monday, Heritage Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Boxing Day. Employers may provide their employees with time off on these days or offer holiday pay if they do work.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Boxing Day are federally regulated holidays and employees working for a federally regulated employer are entitled to these stat holidays. In Alberta, while some companies may follow the more generous holiday schedules seen in the public sector and provide a day off, others may adhere strictly to the mandated general holidays set out by the Alberta Employment Standards Code.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Yes. Good Friday is a stat holiday in Alberta and is celebrated this year on March 29, 2024.
Is Easter Monday a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Easter Monday is not recognized as a statutory holiday in Alberta. While Good Friday is typically observed as a statutory holiday, Easter Monday is not uniformly recognized as a statutory holiday across all provinces and territories in Canada, including Alberta. However, some businesses and organizations may choose to give their employees the day off or offer special arrangements.
What Happens If Canada Day Falls On A Saturday?
By federal law, when July 1 falls on any day of the week other than Sunday, it is celebrated on that day; however, when it falls on a Sunday, it is treated as if it fell on the Monday immediately following. In other words, if Canada Day falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated on that day.
For an employee working for a federally regulated employer, in the event that Canada Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday that is not a scheduled work day, the employee is entitled to a holiday with pay on the scheduled work day immediately before or after the general holiday.
Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
In Canada, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognized on September 30th, is a federal statutory holiday. It was established to honor the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
However, whether the Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed as a public holiday can vary by province and territory. In Alberta, it is not recognized as a statutory holiday. Businesses and provincial government offices generally remain open, and statutory holiday rules do not apply for most workers.
The decision to observe such a day at a local level can be made by individual municipalities and corporations. Some may choose to mark the day with various events, moments of silence, or educational activities to reflect upon the significance of the day.
The day is an important reminder of the country’s efforts towards reconciliation and serves as an opportunity to educate and remind Canadians about the history of residential schools. It calls for reflection and recognition of the ongoing challenges and lasting legacy faced by Indigenous communities because of the residential schools system.
Is Remembrance Day a Stat Holiday in Alberta?
Remembrance Day, observed on November 11th each year, is indeed recognized as a statutory holiday in the province of Alberta. This day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty since the First World War.
In Alberta, Remembrance Day is designated by the Remembrance Day Act, which mandates that most workers, students, and school staff have the day off to reflect and attend commemorative ceremonies. This allows communities across the province to participate in acts of remembrance, such as attending local cenotaphs or war memorials where wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of silence typically take place at 11:00 AM, marking the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Public and private operations often run on a reduced schedule, and non-essential federal and provincial government offices are commonly closed on this day. Businesses may also operate on modified hours or remain closed to acknowledge the significance of Remembrance Day.