June Holiday is a paid holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador that combines tradition with a greater appreciation for Indigenous peoples. While its name and meaning are evolving to recognize this connection, the holiday still follows the employment rules. So, before planning for late June, discover all workplace rules that apply to you in this article.
When is the June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
June Holiday is a designated provincial holiday celebrated on the Monday nearest to June 24 each year. This is the official name used by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here’s the schedule for the June Holiday from 2025 to 2030:
| Year | June 24 Falls On | June Holiday Observed | Day of Week |
| 2025 | Tuesday | June 23 | Monday |
| 2026 | Wednesday | June 22 | Monday |
| 2027 | Thursday | June 21 | Monday |
| 2028 | Saturday | June 26 | Monday |
| 2029 | Sunday | June 25 | Monday |
| 2030 | Monday | June 24 | Monday |
Source: June Holiday in Canada – timeanddate.com
In 2025, the June Holiday occurred on Monday, June 23 and in 2026, it will be on Monday, June 22. This makes it a practical three-day weekend for most workers. There is one thing that the holiday has also been called: Discovery Day, June Day, or National Indigenous Peoples Day, which can cause some confusion.
June Holiday vs Discovery Day vs National Indigenous Peoples Day: What’s the Difference?
All these names refer to the same Monday in June. Yet, they represent different official designations and reflect the holiday’s evolution. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Name | Used By | Years Used |
| Discovery Day | Provincial government | Pre-2020 |
| June Day | Provincial government | 2020 (brief transitional period) |
| June Holiday | Provincial government | 2020-present |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day (Observed) | City of St. John’s | 2024 (recent) |
According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, June Holiday is scheduled alongside other holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, St. George’s Day, and Orangemen’s Day. Cities such as St. John’s can decide the local name for the holiday, but they can not change the date without approval from the province.
But the importance lies less in the name of the holiday. It is more about understanding whether you have the day off and are paid for it, which depends on your job and contract.
Is June Holiday a Statutory Holiday in NL?
No, June Holiday is not a statutory holiday in the legal sense, despite being commonly called a “public holiday.” Before 1992, it was a Newfoundland and Labrador statutory holiday under the Shops’ Closing Act when changes were made to reduce mandatory business closures. But now, whether you get June Holiday as a paid day off depends on your employment sector and contract.
Here’s what every employee in Newfoundland and Labrador should keep in mind:
| Employee Type | Get Holiday Off? | Paid Holiday? | What to Check |
| Provincial government employees | Yes | Yes | Recognized in collective agreements |
| Municipal government employees | Yes | Yes | Recognized in collective agreements |
| Private sector (unionized) | Usually yes | If granted, typically paid | Check your specific collective agreement |
| Private sector (non-union) | Not guaranteed | Employer discretion | Check the employment contract or ask HR |
| Federal government employees in NL | No | N/A | Follow the federal holiday calendar (different holidays) |
In short, government employees get the day off due to agreements. Meanwhile, private sector employees may not get the day off. Employers in the private sector can choose to offer the day off as a benefit, but they are not obligated to do so.
Besides, federal government employees working in Newfoundland and Labrador follow the federal statutory holiday schedule, which does not include the June Holiday. You will get different holidays instead, such as the Civic Holiday on the first Monday in August.
Understanding your rights as an employee during the June Holiday ensures how much pay and days off you are entitled to.
What are the Employee Rights on NL June Holiday?
If June Holiday is a designated holiday under your collective agreement or employment contract, you receive compensation and time off.
If you are required to work on this day, there are two common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Holiday Falls on Your Working Day
When you are scheduled to work, and June Holiday is one of your normal work days, your compensation is either:
- Time off later at a rate of 1.5 hours for every hour worked, or
- Payment at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for all hours worked, if time off cannot be granted within four months of the June Holiday.
Scenario 2: Holiday Falls on Your Day Off
If you are required to work on a June Holiday when it is your normal day of rest, you receive the designated holiday pay, plus:
- Time off with full pay at the rate of two hours off for each hour worked, plus an additional day off in lieu of the designated holiday (to be taken within two months); or
- Payment equivalent to the time off described above if this arrangement is not possible.
Note that these rules mainly apply to government employees and unionized workers. Private sector workers should check their contracts, as the rules may vary. If you are not receiving proper compensation, contact your union representative or the Department of Labour at 709-729-2742.
Source: Holiday Policy – Compensation for Holidays Section – gov.nl.cagov.nl.ca
What do NL People do during the June Holiday?
The June 24 holiday marks the unofficial start of summer in Newfoundland and Labrador. So, people celebrate it with the province’s culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. There are 5 common activities that residents often do on this day:
- Hiking popular trails like the East Coast Trail, visiting provincial parks, camping, fishing, and boating.
- Participating in festivals, parades, concerts, and cultural events across the province.
- Gathering at backyard barbecues for family and friend reunions.
- Exploring different regions of Newfoundland and Labrador or taking short trips to mainland Canada or beyond.
- Tackling outdoor home improvement projects, planting gardens, or enjoying yard work.
Whether celebrating the province’s heritage, enjoying its natural beauty, or simply relaxing with loved ones, June Holiday represents an important seasonal milestone and cherished tradition for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
However, with multiple names used for the same holiday over the years, many people find themselves confused about what they are actually honouring. Understanding why the name changed through historical context helps explain the ongoing uncertainty about what to call it.
History of the June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador
In 1497, “Discovery Day” was named after John Cabot, who is thought to have discovered Newfoundland. However, Indigenous peoples such as the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Inuit, and Innu have lived there for thousands of years before him. This means that calling it a “discovery” may overlook the presence and rights of Indigenous peoples.
In 1963, the Hours of Work Act allowed the Lieutenant-Governor in Council to proclaim Discovery Day as an observed holiday. However, in 1992, it was removed from the Shops’ Closing Act.
A major celebration occurred in 1997 for the 500th anniversary of Cabot’s landing, which included a replica ship retracing his route.
In June 2020, Premier Dwight Ball announced a name change to better reflect the community. This decision was part of a larger discussion about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The government has committed to ongoing consultations with Indigenous groups to decide on the holiday’s permanent name.
This change reflects recommendations from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For now, you will see “June Holiday” on official provincial documents, though municipalities and individual organizations might use different terminology.
St. John’s city renamed the holiday “National Indigenous Peoples Day (Observed)” to align with the federal observance on June 21. The city encourages participation in events on this day while using the Monday holiday for learning about Indigenous cultures.
Source: Premier Ball Announces Changes Related to ‘Discovery Day’ Holiday – gov.nl.ca
Explore our related post for details on all statutory holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador, including:
The bottom line
In the end, the June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador has evolved in a thoughtful way. Unlike official national holidays, it’s only recognized if employers agree to it in contracts. Instead of waiting for policy changes, employees should understand their job situation and discuss availability with their family. Accepting this different approach will help reduce stress and allow everyone to plan better for the long weekend or regular workday.
FAQs about the June Holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador
Can I request to replace June Holiday with a cultural or religious holiday?
Yes, if you are a provincial government employee. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s holiday policy allows employees to designate replacement statutory holidays that are days of cultural or religious significance in place of any designated holidays.
Will Newfoundland and Labrador officially rename June Holiday?
It’s uncertain. When “June Holiday” was introduced in 2020, it was described as temporary while the government consulted with Indigenous governments and organizations. More than five years later, these consultations are still described as “ongoing.”
Do part-time employees get June Holiday off?
It depends on your employment agreement and how many hours you work. If you’re a part-time provincial or municipal government employee, June Holiday eligibility depends on your collective agreement.
Are retail stores and businesses required to close on June Holiday?
No. Since June Holiday is not a statutory holiday under provincial law, retail stores, restaurants, and others are not required to close. Private businesses can choose to remain open or close based on their own policies and staffing.
Can my employer change which holidays we observe instead of June Holiday?
Yes. Employers have significant flexibility since the June Holiday isn’t a statutory requirement. A private employer could choose to give employees a different day off instead of the June Holiday.
Are there any religious or cultural events associated with June Holiday?
Yes. In recent years, as the holiday has been renamed and its focus has shifted toward reconciliation and Indigenous recognition (especially in St. John’s), some communities are developing new cultural programming focused on Indigenous cultures, education, and celebration.
Are libraries and public facilities open during June Holiday?
No. Most public libraries and recreation facilities operated by provincial or municipal governments will be closed on June Holiday, as they follow the same holiday schedule as other government operations.
How should employers communicate June Holiday policies to employees?
Employers should use various methods, such as email, posted notices, staff meetings, and the intranet, to ensure that all employees, including shift and remote workers, receive the information.
