Calculate Stat Holiday Pay Ontario
'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='48' cy='39' r='19' fill='%23f2c9a5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M27 35c3-16 39-17 42 2-8-8-27-9-42-2z' fill='%23374151'/%3E%3Cpath d='M21 86c5-24 49-28 56 0z' fill='%232563eb'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='41' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='55' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Cpath d='M42 52c4 3 9 3 13 0' stroke='%2392400e' stroke-width='3' fill='none' stroke-linecap='round'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Calculating your statutory holiday pay in Ontario requires understanding both public and private sector rules. This guide explains how to determine your holiday pay entitlement, including the calculation methods and key differences between the two sectors.
How to Calculate Stat Holiday Pay in Ontario
Statutory holiday pay in Ontario is calculated differently for public and private sector employees. The Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA) govern these calculations.
Public Sector Employees
Public sector employees are entitled to paid holidays under the OLRA. The calculation method depends on whether the employee is a full-time or part-time worker:
Full-time employees: Holiday pay is calculated based on the employee's average weekly earnings multiplied by the number of days of holiday.
Part-time employees: Holiday pay is calculated based on the employee's average daily earnings multiplied by the number of days of holiday.
Private Sector Employees
Private sector employees are entitled to paid holidays under the ESA. The calculation method is:
Holiday pay = (Average weekly earnings ÷ 5) × Number of days of holiday
Where "average weekly earnings" is calculated by dividing the employee's total earnings for the pay period by the number of weeks in that period.
Key Dates
The statutory holidays in Ontario are:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Family Day (third Monday in February)
- Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
- Victoria Day (last Monday in May)
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Civic Holiday (first Monday in August)
- Labour Day (first Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
Employees are entitled to paid time off for these holidays if they would otherwise be working.
Formula Used
The calculation varies by sector and employment status:
Public Sector Full-time Employees
Holiday Pay = (Average Weekly Earnings × Number of Days of Holiday)
Public Sector Part-time Employees
Holiday Pay = (Average Daily Earnings × Number of Days of Holiday)
Private Sector Employees
Holiday Pay = (Average Weekly Earnings ÷ 5) × Number of Days of Holiday
Where:
- Average Weekly Earnings = Total Earnings for Pay Period ÷ Number of Weeks in Pay Period
- Average Daily Earnings = Total Earnings for Pay Period ÷ Number of Days Worked in Pay Period
- Number of Days of Holiday = Number of statutory holidays that fall on days the employee would normally work
Worked Examples
Example 1: Public Sector Full-time Employee
Jane is a full-time public sector employee who earns $1,200 per week. She works 5 days a week and is entitled to 3 statutory holidays that fall on days she would normally work.
Calculation: $1,200 × 3 = $3,600
Jane's holiday pay would be $3,600.
Example 2: Private Sector Employee
John is a private sector employee who earns $1,500 in a two-week pay period. He works 5 days a week and is entitled to 2 statutory holidays that fall on days he would normally work.
Step 1: Average Weekly Earnings = $1,500 ÷ 2 = $750
Step 2: Holiday Pay = ($750 ÷ 5) × 2 = $300 × 2 = $600
John's holiday pay would be $600.
Public vs. Private Sector Comparison
There are key differences in how holiday pay is calculated between public and private sector employees in Ontario:
| Factor | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation Basis | Average weekly or daily earnings | Average weekly earnings divided by 5 |
| Full-time Employees | Based on average weekly earnings | Same as private sector |
| Part-time Employees | Based on average daily earnings | Same as private sector |
| Holiday Entitlement | More generous for full-time employees | Standard calculation for all employees |
Public sector employees generally receive more generous holiday pay calculations, particularly for full-time positions.
FAQ
The calculation depends on whether you're in the public or private sector. Public sector employees use their average weekly or daily earnings, while private sector employees use their average weekly earnings divided by 5. See the formula section for details.
No, you only receive pay for holidays that fall on days you would normally work. If a holiday falls on a day you're scheduled to be off, you won't receive pay for that day.
Yes, some employees may be exempt from holiday pay requirements. For example, seasonal employees and employees in certain industries may have different rules. Always check your employment contract or consult with HR.
Divide your total earnings for the pay period by the number of weeks in that period. For example, if you earn $1,500 in a two-week pay period, your average weekly earnings are $750.