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Ontario Canada Stat Holiday Calculation

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Ontario Canada statutory holidays are public holidays observed across the province. These holidays are determined by provincial law and typically include fixed-date holidays like New Year's Day and variable-date holidays like Victoria Day and Thanksgiving. This guide explains how to calculate these holidays for payroll, scheduling, and business planning.

How to Calculate Ontario Canada Stat Holidays

Calculating Ontario Canada statutory holidays involves understanding both fixed and variable-date holidays. Fixed-date holidays occur on the same calendar date each year, while variable-date holidays are calculated based on specific rules.

Fixed-Date Holidays

These holidays always fall on the same date each year:

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • Family Day: Third Monday in February (since 2008)
  • Canada Day: July 1
  • Labour Day: First Monday in September
  • Christmas Day: December 25
  • Boxing Day: December 26

Variable-Date Holidays

These holidays are calculated based on specific rules:

  • Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday
  • Victoria Day: Monday on or before May 24
  • Thanksgiving: Second Monday in October

Note: Some holidays may be observed on different dates if they fall on a weekend. In Ontario, these holidays are typically observed on the following Monday.

Formula Used

The calculation of variable-date holidays requires specific formulas:

Victoria Day

Victoria Day is calculated as the Monday on or before May 24.

Formula: Find the last Monday in May if May 24 is a Monday, otherwise find the preceding Monday.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October.

Formula: Find the second Monday in October.

Family Day

Family Day is the third Monday in February.

Formula: Find the third Monday in February.

Assumptions

When calculating Ontario Canada statutory holidays, the following assumptions are made:

  • Weekends are observed on the following Monday unless otherwise specified.
  • Easter Sunday is calculated using the Western Christian algorithm.
  • Good Friday is always the Friday before Easter Sunday.

Worked Examples

Here are examples of how to calculate specific holidays for different years:

Example 1: Victoria Day 2023

May 24, 2023, is a Wednesday. Therefore, Victoria Day is May 22, 2023 (the preceding Monday).

Example 2: Thanksgiving 2024

October 7, 2024, is a Monday. Therefore, Thanksgiving is October 14, 2024 (the second Monday in October).

Example 3: Family Day 2025

February 17, 2025, is a Monday. Therefore, Family Day is February 17, 2025 (the third Monday in February).

Comparison Table

Here's a comparison of Ontario Canada statutory holidays for 2023 and 2024:

Holiday 2023 Date 2024 Date
New Year's Day January 1 January 1
Family Day February 20 February 19
Good Friday April 7 March 29
Victoria Day May 22 May 20
Canada Day July 1 July 1
Labour Day September 4 September 2
Thanksgiving October 9 October 14
Christmas Day December 25 December 25
Boxing Day December 26 December 26

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the statutory holidays in Ontario Canada?

Ontario Canada has 10 statutory holidays: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

How are variable-date holidays calculated in Ontario?

Variable-date holidays like Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, and Family Day are calculated based on specific rules. Victoria Day is the Monday on or before May 24, Thanksgiving is the second Monday in October, and Family Day is the third Monday in February.

What happens if a statutory holiday falls on a weekend?

In Ontario, statutory holidays that fall on a weekend are typically observed on the following Monday. For example, if Victoria Day falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the following Monday.

Are statutory holidays paid in Ontario?

Yes, statutory holidays are paid holidays in Ontario. Employees are entitled to paid time off on these days, provided they have worked the required number of hours leading up to the holiday.

Can employers change the dates of statutory holidays?

No, employers cannot change the dates of statutory holidays in Ontario. The dates are determined by provincial law and must be observed as specified.