Canada Day 2025 is one of the most significant national holidays in the country, celebrated every year on July 1st. It marks the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, when the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act, 1867) came into effect, uniting the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single nation.
In 2025, Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1, meaning many Canadians will enjoy a mid-week holiday. This guide explores the history, significance, celebrations, workplace policies, and important details for employees and workers regarding this major public holiday.
This guide will provide a detailed overview of Canada Day 2025 for employees and workers, including its history, significance, celebrations, workplace policies, and important details about holiday pay and entitlements.
History and Significance of Canada Day
Origins of Canada Day
Canada Day was originally called Dominion Day, a name that reflected Canada’s status as a Dominion of the British Empire. The holiday was first observed in 1868, a year after Canada was officially established. Over time, as Canada moved toward greater independence, the term Dominion became outdated, and in 1982, it was officially renamed Canada Day to reflect the country’s evolving identity.
This day is significant because it represents:
- The Birth of Canada as a Nation – Canada officially became a self-governing country on July 1, 1867.
- Steps Toward Full Independence – Canada gradually gained more control over its own affairs, leading to milestones such as the Statute of Westminster (1931) and the patriation of the Constitution in 1982.
- A Celebration of National Identity – Canada Day is a time for citizens to express their pride, celebrate multiculturalism, and reflect on what it means to be Canadian.
Canada Day as a National Holiday
Canada Day is recognized as a statutory holiday across all provinces and territories, meaning that most employees are entitled to a paid day off. If an employee is required to work on Canada Day, they must receive holiday pay and/or premium pay (which varies depending on their province or employment contract).
Canada Day 2025 for Employees and Workers
Since Canada Day 2025 falls on a Tuesday, it may affect work schedules and business operations differently than when it falls on a Friday or Monday. Many employees will:
Take the day off as a paid holiday.
Use a vacation day on Monday, June 30, to enjoy an extra-long weekend.
Work on Canada Day (depending on their job), in which case they will receive holiday pay benefits.
Do Employees Get a Paid Holiday?
Yes, Canada Day is a statutory holiday across all of Canada, meaning that employees are generally entitled to a paid day off. However, this entitlement depends on specific provincial labor laws and employment agreements.
Who Qualifies for Holiday Pay?
To receive statutory holiday pay, employees typically need to:
- Work their last scheduled shift before and first scheduled shift after Canada Day.
- Meet minimum employment requirements, such as working a set number of days in the previous weeks (varies by province).
If an employee does not meet these requirements, they may not be eligible for paid holiday leave.
Working on Canada Day: Holiday Pay Rules
Some industries, such as healthcare, retail, restaurants, public services, and emergency services, require employees to work on Canada Day. Employees who work on this holiday are entitled to:
- Regular wages PLUS statutory holiday pay, OR
- Premium pay (1.5x or 2x their regular wage), depending on provincial laws.
Provincial Holiday Pay Rules
| Province/Territory | Entitlements If Working on Canada Day |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Regular pay + 1.5x pay OR an extra paid day off |
| British Columbia | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
| Alberta | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
| Quebec | Regular pay + a substitute paid day off |
| Manitoba | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
| Saskatchewan | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
| Nova Scotia | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Regular pay + 2x pay OR an extra paid day off |
| New Brunswick | Regular pay + 1.5x pay |
💡 Always check with your employer or local labor laws, as policies may vary.
How Canada Day is Celebrated Across the Country
Canada Day is celebrated coast to coast, with various activities that bring communities together in patriotic spirit.
1. Fireworks and Light Shows
🎆 Ottawa (Parliament Hill) hosts the largest Canada Day fireworks display, attracting thousands of spectators. Other major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton also put on impressive fireworks shows.
2. Parades and Festivals
- Ottawa: National Canada Day Ceremony at Parliament Hill.
- Toronto: Waterfront Festival and Nathan Phillips Square celebrations.
- Vancouver: Canada Place festival with live music and cultural performances.
- Montreal: Old Port celebrations and Canada Day parade.
- Calgary: Family-friendly Canada Day festival with Indigenous performances.
3. Citizenship Ceremonies
Many immigrants choose Canada Day as their official citizenship ceremony date, making it a meaningful day for new Canadians. These ceremonies symbolize Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
4. Outdoor Activities & BBQs
Many Canadians spend the day enjoying:
- Camping and hiking in national parks 🌲.
- Backyard BBQs and picnics with family and friends 🍔.
- Sporting events, concerts, and cultural festivals 🎤.
5. Wearing Red and White
🇨🇦 Canadians proudly wear red and white and wave Canadian flags to showcase national pride. Many also apply temporary maple leaf tattoos and face paint.
What’s Open and Closed on Canada Day 2025?
On Canada Day, most businesses and government services are closed, including:
❌ Government offices and banks.
❌ Canada Post (no mail delivery).
❌ Public schools and libraries.
❌ Most retail stores (varies by province).
What remains open?
✅ Many restaurants and entertainment venues.
✅ Some grocery stores (varies by city).
✅ Public transit (operating on a holiday schedule).
✅ Emergency services (police, hospitals, etc.).
💡 Tip: Check with local businesses in advance, as holiday hours may vary.
FAQ: Canada Day 2025 for Employees and Workers
1. What happens if Canada Day falls on a weekend?
If Canada Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the statutory holiday is usually observed on the following Monday. This means that if July 1st falls on a Saturday, most employees will get Monday, July 3rd, off as a paid holiday. However, in 2025, since Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1st, the holiday will be observed on that exact date.
2. Can my employer make me work on Canada Day?
Yes, but with conditions. Some employees may be required to work on Canada Day, especially in industries like healthcare, retail, hospitality, and public services. However, employers must provide:
✅ Holiday pay and/or premium pay as per provincial labor laws.
✅ An alternate day off with pay in some provinces.
If you are unsure about your work schedule, check your employment contract or ask your employer directly.
3. Do part-time employees get paid for Canada Day?
Yes, but eligibility depends on provincial labor laws and the employee’s work history. In most provinces, part-time employees qualify for statutory holiday pay if they:
- Have worked a minimum number of days in the past four to six weeks (varies by province).
- Work their scheduled shifts before and after the holiday.
If a part-time employee is scheduled to work on Canada Day and does work, they are entitled to premium pay or time off in lieu.
4. What if I am on vacation during Canada Day?
If an employee is on paid vacation when Canada Day occurs, they still receive statutory holiday pay. The holiday does not count as a vacation day, meaning:
✅ Employees can extend their vacation by one day (since Canada Day is counted separately).
✅ Some employers may allow employees to take another paid day off later in compensation.
However, if you are on unpaid leave, sick leave, or another type of unpaid absence, you may not qualify for holiday pay.
5. Do employees get overtime pay if they work extra hours on Canada Day?
Yes, in most provinces, overtime rules still apply if an employee works beyond their normal shift on a statutory holiday. This means:
- If an employee is scheduled to work on Canada Day, they will receive holiday pay (1.5x or 2x their regular rate).
- If they work overtime hours beyond their shift, they may be entitled to additional overtime pay as per provincial labor laws.
For example: If an employee in Ontario works 8 hours on Canada Day, they get regular pay + 1.5x holiday pay. If they work more than 8 hours, the extra hours may be paid at double time (2x pay).
6. Can I refuse to work on Canada Day?
Employees can refuse to work on Canada Day if they are entitled to a statutory holiday under provincial law. However, some jobs require employees to work on holidays, including:
- Essential services (e.g., police, healthcare, emergency responders).
- Retail and hospitality (some businesses remain open on Canada Day).
- Public transit and utilities.
If you are required to work but do not receive proper holiday pay, you can file a complaint with your provincial labor board.
7. Can my employer substitute Canada Day with another day off?
Yes, in some provinces, employers may offer an alternate day off instead of Canada Day if the employee is required to work. This is known as “substituting a holiday”. The rules vary by province:
- In Quebec and Alberta, employees who work on Canada Day can take another paid day off later instead of receiving premium pay.
- In Ontario and British Columbia, employers can substitute Canada Day with another day, but they must provide written notice to employees.
Always check with your HR department or provincial labor laws to confirm your rights.
8. Are freelancers or self-employed workers entitled to Canada Day pay?
No, freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed workers do not receive statutory holiday pay because they are not considered employees under labor laws. However, they can:
✅ Choose to take the day off if their work allows.
✅ Bill clients at a higher rate if working on a public holiday.
Some businesses may voluntarily provide holiday bonuses to contractors, but this is not legally required.
9. Will public transit operate on Canada Day?
Yes, but most public transit systems operate on a holiday schedule, which may mean:
🚍 Reduced bus and train service in some cities.
⏳ Longer wait times for certain routes.
🚆 Some routes may be completely unavailable.
Major transit agencies like Toronto’s TTC, Vancouver’s TransLink, and Montreal’s STM usually provide special event services for Canada Day fireworks and festivities. Check with your local transit provider before traveling.
10. What should I do if my employer does not give me my Canada Day holiday pay?
If your employer does not pay you properly for Canada Day, you have the right to file a complaint with your provincial or territorial labor standards office. Steps to take:
- Talk to your employer first – Sometimes, missed holiday pay is a payroll mistake that can be corrected.
- Review your employment contract – Check if you qualify for statutory holiday pay.
- Contact your provincial labor board – If your employer refuses to follow the law, file a complaint with Employment Standards Canada or your province’s labor authority.
Each province has different filing deadlines and processes, so check with your local labor board for details.
11. Do I need to request Canada Day off, or is it automatic?
For most employees, Canada Day is automatically a paid day off. However, some workplaces require employees to:
- Submit a leave request if they want to take additional time off around Canada Day (e.g., making it a four-day weekend).
- Confirm their availability if their job requires holiday staffing.
If you want extra vacation days around Canada Day, it’s best to submit your request early to increase your chances of approval.
12. Is Canada Day a paid holiday for federal government employees?
Yes, Canada Day is a paid statutory holiday for all federal government employees, including those working in:
- Government offices
- Postal services (Canada Post)
- Border security and customs
- Military and national defense
Federal employees receive a full paid day off, and those who work on Canada Day receive double pay or a substitute day off.
Final Thoughts
Canada Day 2025 is not just a celebration of the nation’s history—it’s also an important statutory holiday that protects employee rights. Whether you are taking the day off, working with holiday pay, or making special plans, understanding your entitlements ensures you get the benefits you deserve.