Remembrance Day in Canada: Stat Holiday Pay Rules & Traditions

Remembrance Day is Canada’s national day of remembrance for military members who died in service to the country.  It is observed every year on November 11, marking the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

The phrase “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” refers to the exact time when fighting stopped in Europe. Initially created to honour those who died in the First World War, Remembrance Day now also remembers Canadians from the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict, and peacekeeping missions around the world.

When is Remembrance Day in Canada?

Remembrance Day in Canada is celebrated on November 11 each year, no matter the day of the week. Here are the dates for Remembrance Day from 2025 to 2030:

When Remembrance Day is on a weekend, different provinces and employers handle it in various ways. In provinces with statutory holidays, employees usually get the following Monday off or an extra day off later. Yet, the two minutes of silence are still observed at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, and major ceremonies happen on that day instead of being moved to the following Monday.

Is Remembrance Day a Statutory Holiday in Canada?

Yes. Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in Canada. It means federal employees across Canada have Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday, guaranteeing them paid time off. Yet, its status as a paid general holiday versus a day of observance only varies between provinces and territories.

Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in six provinces and three territories: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.

The following table summarizes the statutory holiday status of Remembrance Day across Canada:

This variation highlights the complexities of statutory holiday legislation across a decentralized country like Canada. While the meaning and ceremonies remain constant nationwide, the legal status and time-off work rules differ by region. 

What are Employee Entitlements on Canada Remembrance Day?

Federal employees in Canada get Remembrance Day off as a statutory holiday, no matter where they are located. For other employees, entitlements related to Remembrance Day depend on three factors: the province, the type of job, and the employment contract.

In provinces with statutory holidays, eligible employees receive paid time off or premium pay in exchange for a day off later. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee of pay unless it’s specified by company policy or union agreements.

Workplace rules for federal employees

Full-time employees get paid time off for Remembrance Day if it falls on a working day. If they have to work on November 11, they should earn 1.5 times their regular rate for that day, in addition to the holiday pay; provincial multipliers do not apply.

Casual or term employees may be eligible for holiday pay if they meet specific criteria. Generally, they need to work the day before or the day after the holiday.

Employees on unpaid leave may lose their holiday pay, depending on the rules and the type of leave, especially if they are absent around the holiday.

For those on a compressed work schedule, such as four 10-hour days, they might need to adjust their hours to cover the holiday. Often, collective agreements provide better benefits than the minimum legal requirements, such as guaranteed paid time off or higher pay rates during holidays.

Source: Statutory holiday pay – canada.ca

Workplace rules for employees in provincial jurisdictions

Employee entitlements for Remembrance Day differ across Canada’s provinces and territories because each one has its own rules. In the following jurisdictions, Remembrance Day is a paid statutory holiday for most employees:

Alberta: On regular workdays, employers can either pay 1.5 times the hourly rate plus the average daily wage for hours worked, or pay regular wages and give a paid day off later. On non-regular workdays, employees receive 1.5 times their pay without holiday pay; if they don’t work, no holiday pay is given. (Source from the Government of AB)

British Columbia: If an eligible employee works on a statutory holiday, they get paid time-and-a-half for the hours worked (double time after 12 hours) plus an average day’s pay. If they don’t work, they receive just the average day’s pay. (Source from the Government of BC)

Saskatchewan: Public holiday pay is 5% of the wages earned in the 4 weeks (28 days) before the holiday (excluding overtime). If an employee works on a holiday, they earn 1.5 times their regular pay for the hours worked, plus the public holiday pay. (Source from the Government of SK)

New Brunswick: Employees earn 1.5 times their regular wage for each hour worked on a paid public holiday. If they qualify and work that day, they get their regular pay plus 1.5 times their hourly rate for the hours worked. (Source from the Government of NB)

Northwest Territories: Employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to time-and-a-half for their hours plus a day’s average pay or a paid day off. Some GNWT collective agreements may offer double time, but that’s not the standard under Employment Standards. (Source from the Government of NWT)

Nunavut: If an employee does not work on a holiday, they receive regular pay for that day. If they do work, they can choose between another day off with pay or their regular pay plus 1.5 times their rate for the hours worked. (Source from the Government of NU)

Newfoundland and Labrador: If they work on a holiday, they can choose between holiday pay plus 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked, or take time off at a rate of 1.5 hours for each hour worked. If a holiday falls on a scheduled day off and the employee works, they earn double pay for hours worked, plus holiday pay. (Source from the Government of NL)

Prince Edward Island: If an employee qualifies for a day off, they receive their regular pay for that day. If they’re not scheduled to work on a holiday, they get another paid day off. Employees who work on a holiday can either get their regular pay plus 1.5 times their hourly rate for hours worked or choose to receive their regular pay for that day and an additional paid day off later. (Source from the Government of PEI)

Yukon: If a holiday falls on an employee’s day off, the next working day becomes the holiday. If employees work on a holiday, they can either be paid overtime rates for those hours or receive their regular pay and get an extra day off to use later. (Source from the Government of YT)

In addition, there are also provinces with restricted or observance status, such as Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

Manitoba: Remembrance Day is not a general holiday, but there are rules for businesses and employee pay. Retail shops cannot open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and workers on that day may qualify for extra pay based on their employment agreements. (Source from the Government of MB)

Nova Scotia: Remembrance Day is not a paid holiday under the Labour Standards Code and is not a designated closing day. The Remembrance Day Act outlines restrictions on business operations and pay for employees working that day. Those who have worked for at least 15 out of the 30 days before Remembrance Day may get an additional paid day off. (Source from the Government of NS)

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Employment standards differ by location and can be affected by collective agreements. For specific rights, check the Canada Labour Code or your local employment standards, and refer to your collective agreement if applicable.

How Can Canadians Participate in Honouring Remembrance Day?

There are numerous ways Canadian citizens can actively participate in commemorating Canada’s veterans and war dead, leading up to and on Remembrance Day:

• Attend ceremonies at local cenotaphs and war memorials. Observe moments of silence and the laying of wreaths.
• Volunteer with veteran organizations to support events. Help distribute poppies or fundraising.
• Wear a poppy for the remembrance period leading up to November 11th.
• Donate to poppy funds or associations providing veteran services.
• Share stories and memories of relatives who served. Pass history on to younger generations.
• Learn about military history by reading books, visiting memorials, watching documentaries, and taking classes.
• Educate youth on the meaning of Remembrance Day and the sacrifices of veterans through school activities, ceremonies, arts and crafts.
• Watch televised national ceremonies and explain their significance to children.
• Take part in commemorations at community centers, places of worship, and sporting events.
• Thank a veteran for their service and listen to their experiences. Hear first-hand accounts.
• Advocate for veterans’ rights to proper benefits, programs and services.
• Support organizations that help veterans in need, such as the Royal Canadian Legion, True Patriot Love, and VETS Canada.

Whether through personal education, public ceremony, financial donation, acts of volunteerism or other means, there are numerous ways Canadians can actively honour the memories of those who served in the armed forces and sacrificed their lives for Canada.

Why Do Canadians Wear Poppies on Remembrance Day?

The red poppy has become an iconic symbol of remembrance worn by millions of Canadians in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11th.

This tradition originated on the battlefields of Flanders in Belgium and northern France during World War I, where a vibrant red wildflower known as the corn poppy grew in abundance.
So much blood was shed during the heavy fighting that tore up the landscape that the poppies eventually sprang up from the enriched soil as a haunting reminder of the human cost of war.

In 1918, an American professor named Moina Michael was inspired by the poppy reference in the famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, to adopt the red poppy as a memorial emblem. She pledged to always wear a red poppy moving forward to keep faith with those who died in battle.

By 1921, veterans’ groups in Canada were distributing and wearing poppies for the first Poppy Day to raise funds for veterans in need. This was coordinated by the Great War Veterans Association, which eventually became the Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion has faithfully organized the annual Poppy Campaign ever since, leading up to Remembrance Day.

For millions of Canadians, wearing the lapel poppy is a simple yet powerful way to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service and remember their contribution to securing the freedoms enjoyed today. The bright red of the poppy provides a vibrant symbolic reminder of the bloodshed during wartime.

Why Is It Important to Observe Remembrance Day in Canada?

Observing Remembrance Day serves many important purposes at both the national and personal levels for Canadians:

• Honouring veterans’ sacrifices – It provides a chance to formally pay tribute to those who gave their lives or health in defence of Canadian values and freedoms, recognizing their profound courage and dedication.
• Historical education – Learning about the contributions of Canadian veterans in significant wars and peacekeeping helps preserve memories and gain perspective on how freedom was earned and preserved.
• Teaching younger generations – Educating youth ensures those who served will not be forgotten. It instills a sense of history and national identity in children.
• Solemn remembrance – Ceremonies and memorials provide a ritual outlet for collective grief and reflection on the horrific costs of war, loss, and suffering.
• Symbol of gratitude – Wearing poppies and attending events demonstrates appreciation and moral debt owed to those who served on society’s behalf.
• Warning about war’s consequences – The solemnity warns that armed conflict should always be a last resort, as it causes unimaginable loss of human life.
• Strengthening nationalism – Ceremonies unite Canadians in common remembrance. Veterans’ sacrifices are honoured as having contributed to preserving Canada’s nationhood.
• Promoting future service – Respecting veterans inspires new generations to answer the call of duty and volunteer for military or public service when needed to defend freedom.

For all these reasons, Remembrance Day occupies a unique position as a solemn commemoration that both honours Canada’s veterans and promotes national unity, memory, and democratic values. Its continued observance ensures their sacrifices and struggles will never be forgotten.

History of Remembrance Day in Canada

Prior to the massive casualties of World War I, Canadians honoured fallen soldiers through two earlier traditions: Decoration Day and Paardeberg Day.

Decoration Day originated from the protests of veterans who fought at the Battle of Ridgeway against the Fenians in 1866. Though much of the country has forgotten this battle, it represented the sacrifices of one of Canada’s earliest groups of soldiers. Starting in 1890, on June 2nd, each year, veterans would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades.

Paardeberg Day commemorated the anniversary of a key Canadian victory on February 27, 1900, during the South African War. People would gather around memorials erected in honour of those who served, though it was seen more as a celebration of imperial triumph than solemn remembrance.

However, World War I, which raged from 1914 to 1918, took a horrific toll on human life that forever changed the way people thought about war remembrance. With over 61,000 Canadians losing their lives, the celebration was replaced by sombre reflection and commemoration.

Armistice Day began in 1919 to mark the end of the Great War on November 11th. Initially, it was held on the Monday of the week of November 11th as mandated by a 1921 Act of Parliament.

However, a decade later, a push was made to fix the date permanently on November 11th and shift the focus towards commemorating veterans’ sacrifices rather than celebrating victory in war. This change also brought about the renaming of the day to Remembrance Day in 1931.

Over time, Remembrance Day evolved to honour those who served in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the Afghanistan War from 2001 to 2014, various peacekeeping missions, and other military engagements both past and present.

Today, Remembrance Day commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of all Canadian military personnel who lost their lives in defending freedom and democracy across over a century of conflicts.

Source: Remembrance Day in Canada – thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

Canada is a multicultural country that celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of the major Canadian holidays include:

• New Year’s Day
• Family Day
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Good Friday
• Easter
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Civic Holiday
• Labour Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

FAQs on Remembrance Day in Canada