Ontario Canada Holiday Calculation

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, has specific laws governing holiday pay and paid leave entitlements. This guide explains how to calculate your holiday pay, understand your rights, and navigate Ontario's paid leave system.

How to Calculate Ontario Canada Holidays

Calculating your Ontario holiday pay involves several steps, including determining your base pay, holiday entitlements, and any applicable multipliers. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Holiday Pay Formula

Holiday Pay = (Base Pay × Holiday Entitlement) × Holiday Pay Multiplier

Where:

Base Pay = Your regular hourly or annual salary
Holiday Entitlement = Number of paid holidays you're entitled to
Holiday Pay Multiplier = 1.5 for public holidays, 1.0 for regular holidays

For example, if you earn $25/hour and are entitled to 3 paid holidays, your holiday pay would be:

$25 × 3 × 1.5 = $112.50

Key Considerations

Overtime pay is not included in holiday pay calculations
Public holidays typically receive a 1.5x multiplier
Some employers may provide additional paid leave beyond statutory requirements

Ontario Holiday Entitlements

Ontario law requires employers to provide paid holidays to eligible employees. The specific entitlements depend on your employment status and length of service.

Employment Type	Holiday Entitlement	Minimum Pay
Full-time employees (30+ hours/week)	3 paid holidays	$100/day
Part-time employees (under 30 hours/week)	Pro-rated based on hours worked	$100/day
Employees with 1+ year of service	Additional paid holiday	$100/day

Note: The $100/day minimum applies to public holidays. Regular holidays may be paid at the employee's regular rate of pay.

Paid Leave and Holidays

In addition to paid holidays, Ontario employees are entitled to various forms of paid leave, including:

Vacation leave (pro-rated based on hours worked)
Sick leave (up to 10 days per year)
Personal emergency leave (up to 10 days per year)
Family medical leave (up to 17 weeks)

Employers must maintain accurate records of all paid leave taken and ensure employees are properly compensated.

Comparison with Other Provinces

Ontario's holiday pay requirements are among the more generous in Canada. Here's how it compares to other provinces:

Province	Paid Holidays	Minimum Pay	Additional Leave
Ontario	3+ (with service)	$100/day	Vacation, sick, personal
British Columbia	3+ (with service)	$100/day	Vacation, sick, personal
Quebec	3+ (with service)	$100/day	Vacation, sick, personal
Alberta	3+ (with service)	$100/day	Vacation, sick, personal

While the number of paid holidays is similar across provinces, Ontario's minimum pay requirement for public holidays is particularly notable.

FAQ

How many paid holidays do Ontario employees get?

Full-time employees are entitled to at least 3 paid holidays, with additional holidays for employees with 1+ year of service.

What is the minimum pay for Ontario public holidays?

The minimum pay for public holidays is $100 per day. Regular holidays may be paid at the employee's regular rate of pay.

Are overtime hours included in holiday pay calculations?

No, overtime hours are not included in holiday pay calculations. Holiday pay is based on the employee's regular hourly or annual salary.

What other paid leave do Ontario employees get?

In addition to paid holidays, Ontario employees are entitled to vacation leave, sick leave, personal emergency leave, and family medical leave.

How are part-time employees' holiday entitlements calculated?

Part-time employees' holiday entitlements are pro-rated based on the number of hours they work each week.