Louis Riel Day in Manitoba gives employees a paid day off to enjoy winter activities or relax between New Year’s and spring. It is also important for employees to know their holiday pay rights, as they are entitled to compensation under Manitoba law. This guide explains employment standards, activities planned for the day, and the significance of Louis Riel’s legacy.
What is Louis Riel Day in Manitoba?
Louis Riel Day is one of nine general holidays recognized under the Employment Standards Code in Manitoba as of 2025, observed annually on the third Monday of February. It holds the same legal weight as other statutory holidays in Manitoba, like Christmas or Canada Day.
Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day to honour the founder of the province and recognize the Métis people’s essential role in Canadian history.
When is Louis Riel Day in Manitoba?
Here’s when Louis Riel Day falls from 2025 to 2030:
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 15 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 21 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 19 | Monday |
| 2030 | February 18 | Monday |
Source: Louis Riel Day – timeanddate.com
In 2026, Louis Riel Day falls on Monday, February 16. This date follows the consistent pattern established when Manitoba created the holiday in 2008: the third Monday of February every year.
Who Qualifies for Louis Riel Day Pay?
On Louis Riel Day, employees of provincial employers (such as those in retail and hospitality) get the day off or premium pay if they work. However, federally regulated employees (such as those in government, banks, and airlines) are not legally entitled to the holiday under the Canada Labour Code, though some may still choose to observe it.
Note that you can lose holiday pay if you miss your scheduled shift before or after a holiday without your employer’s permission. However, if you are sick, Manitoba law ensures you will not lose holiday pay for that reason.
What are the Workforce Pay Rules on Louis Riel Day in MB?
Your pay entitlement for Louis Riel Day depends on whether you work the general holiday and how your regular wages are structured.
When Provincially Regulated Employees Do Not Work on Louis Riel Day
Most provincial employees get paid for a regular day without having to work. But how much you receive depends on the number of hours you work:
- For employees with consistent hours: If you work the same hours every week (like 40 hours, Mon-Fri), you get paid for one regular day.
- For employees with variable hours (The 5% Rule): If your hours or pay change, your holiday pay is 5% of your total earnings from the last 4 weeks (28 days) before the holiday.
EXCLUSION: This calculation does not include overtime wages. For example, if you earned $2,000 in regular wages and $400 in overtime over the last four weeks, your holiday pay is 5% of $2,000 ($100), not 5% of $2,400 ($120).
When Provincially Regulated Employees Work on Louis Riel Day
In most workplaces, if employees work on a general holiday, they earn their regular holiday pay plus 1.5 times their regular wage for the hours worked. However, certain businesses, such as gas stations, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, places of amusement, continuously operating businesses, climate-controlled agricultural businesses, seasonal industries (excluding construction), can pay regular wages instead if employees receive another day off with holiday pay within 30 days.
Exceptional Cases on Louis Riel Day
Beyond these rules, there are still some exceptional cases for these 3 industries that Manitoba workers need to consider:
Construction industry workers receive holiday pay equal to 4% of their regular gross wages, not including overtime. Employers can either pay this amount throughout the year or as a lump sum by the end of the year or upon termination, depending on their practice.
Commission salespeople and pieceworkers (incentive-based pay) qualify for general holiday pay using a specific calculation. If you do not work on Louis Riel Day, you receive 5% of your total earnings (including commissions) from the previous four weeks.
Election officials and temporary election workers do not receive general holiday pay under Manitoba law. If you work as an enumerator or polling station worker, Louis Riel Day is not a paid holiday for that particular employment.
Example of How to Calculate the Louis Riel Day Pay
Fixed-schedule employees earn $160 in holiday pay for an 8-hour day at $20 per hour.
Variable-schedule employees receive holiday pay of 5% of their earnings from the last four weeks; for someone earning $1,200, that’s $60.
Commissioned sales employees who earned $800 in commissions, worked 32 regular hours, and 8 holiday hours would earn $640 for regular hours and $240 for holiday hours (time and a half). They also get 5% of their total earnings from the previous four weeks.
Source: General Holidays Fact Sheet – Government of Manitoba
What are the Employer Responsibilities on Louis Riel Day?
To comply with regulations and maintain good employee relations, employers in Manitoba need to remember these four key responsibilities:
Identify eligible employees: Most employees qualify for holiday pay, regardless of how long they have been employed. The only exceptions are election officials and temporary election workers.
Post employment standards information: Employers must display the Employment Standards poster in a visible area so employees can easily access information about their rights regarding holidays and other labour standards.
Maintain accurate records: Employers must keep payroll records for at least 3 years. This includes tracking who worked on the holiday, how their pay was calculated, and any substitute days given. These records help prove compliance if there is an investigation.
Address employee questions promptly: Be ready to answer questions about eligibility, pay, and work requirements during the holiday. If there are complicated situations, it’s best to consult with Employment Standards Manitoba at 1-800-821-4307 or an employment lawyer.
Manitoba Employment Standards actively investigates complaints. Violations can result in orders to pay back wages, penalties, and reputational damage.
What’s Open and Closed on Louis Riel Day in Manitoba?
As a public holiday in Manitoba, many government and financial institutions close, but retail and hospitality businesses largely remain open under current Manitoba regulations.
Here’s what to expect across different sectors:
| Category | Status on Louis Riel Day | Notes |
| Federal offices | Open | This day is not a public holiday in Canada |
| Public libraries and arenas | Closed | – |
| Schools | Closed | Daycares may vary by provider |
| Universities and colleges | Closed | Campus facilities and hours vary by institution |
| Malls and shopping centres | Varies by location | Anchor stores often open; smaller shops may close |
| Hospitals | Open | Emergency departments, urgent care, and scheduled services |
| Public transit (Winnipeg Transit) | Reduced schedule | Operate on Sunday |
| Museums and cultural attractions | Many open | Provide the Louis Riel history |
Source: What’s open and closed on Louis Riel Day in Manitoba – cbc.ca
As of December 12, 2020, Manitoba removed rules limiting holiday closing hours for retail businesses, allowing them to set their own hours. However, local laws may still impose some restrictions. Stores can legally open on Louis Riel Day if they choose. However, individual municipalities retain the authority to pass bylaws restricting business hours.
How do Manitobans Celebrate Louis Riel Day?
Louis Riel Day is celebrated in Manitoba in various enjoyable ways. Here are 4 common ways people observe the day:
Cultural Education: People take time to explore Métis history through books, documentaries, and community events with cultural performances and traditional food.
Here are the major Louis Riel sites in Manitoba to learn about Louis Riel’s life, the Métis people, and Manitoba’s founding:
| Site | Location | What to See | Admission/Hours |
| Riel House National Historic Site | 330 River Road, St. Vital | Riel family home, period furnishings, exhibits on Riel’s life and Red River Resistance | Typically open May-September only; check Parks Canada for winter hours; admission fee |
| St. Boniface Museum | 494 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg | Largest Riel artifact collection in Canada (personal items, documents, shaving kit, execution clothing) | Admission fee; check saintboniface museum.ca for February 2026 hours |
| Louis Riel Statue | Legislative Building grounds, 450 Broadway, Winnipeg | A bronze statue erected in 1996, depicts Riel as a statesman and leader | Free, outdoor, accessible year-round 24/7 |
| Louis Riel Bust | Front of St. Boniface Museum, 494 Taché Avenue | Bronze sculpture by Réal Bérard, portrait of Riel | Free, outdoor, accessible year-round |
| Original Riel Statue (1971) | St. Boniface College, 200 ave de la Cathédrale | Abstract artistic interpretation within a cylindrical structure (controversial original from 1971) | Free, outdoor, campus accessible during reasonable hours |
| Riel’s Gravesite | St. Boniface Cathedral Cemetery, 190 Ave de la Cathédrale | Final resting place, marked grave in historic cemetery | Free, outdoor, respectful visits are appropriate |
| Esplanade Riel Bridge | Connects St. Boniface to The Forks, Winnipeg | Pedestrian bridge named after Riel, offers views of the French Quarter and downtown | Free, public bridge accessible year-round |
Source: Sites Commemorating Louis Riel in Winnipeg – gov.mb.ca
Winter Recreation: Many enjoy skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing over the long weekend.
Family Time: The holiday is also a chance for families to relax at home with board games, cooking, or movie days during the winter.
Community Events: Many shop at Métis-owned businesses and participate in community events.
Overall, Manitobans celebrate Louis Riel Day in ways that reflect their interests and the chilly weather.
History of Louis Riel Day in Manitoba
Louis Riel (1844-1885) was a Métis leader who played a key role in creating Manitoba as a Canadian province. Born in the Red River Settlement (now Winnipeg), he grew up in a prominent Métis family and initially studied for the priesthood.
After his father’s death, he returned home in 1868. At 25, Riel established the Métis National Committee and led the Red River Resistance from 1869-1870. This movement aimed to secure Métis rights, including land ownership and language rights.
During this time, Riel’s government executed Thomas Scott. This event increased anti-Métis sentiment in Ontario. Then, Riel fled to the U.S. when Canadian troops arrived, fearing for his safety.
Although Riel was elected to Parliament three times, he never took his seat to avoid arrest. In 1875, he received amnesty but stayed in the U.S. for several years.
In 1884, he returned to Canada at the request of Métis communities in Saskatchewan to fight for their land rights. Yet, this led to the North-West Rebellion of 1885, which ended in defeat.
Riel was arrested, tried for treason, and hanged on November 16, 1885, despite his mental health issues. His execution is viewed by many as unjust, and he has since become a symbol of Métis rights and resilience.
Manitoba honours his legacy with a general holiday named after him, recognizing his impact on provincial history. Some communities outside Manitoba recognize November 16 as Louis Riel Day, celebrating the anniversary of his execution, but Manitoba’s official holiday is still on the third Monday of February.
Louis Riel Day vs Family Day: What’s the Difference?
While other provinces use their third Monday in February holiday for a generic Family Day, Manitoba chose Louis Riel Day to make the day culturally and historically specific.
Here is how Canadian provinces observe the third Monday in February:
| Province | Holiday Name | Purpose/Focus |
| Manitoba | Louis Riel Day | Honours founder of Manitoba, Métis history and rights |
| Alberta | Family Day | Celebrates families, quality time together |
| British Columbia | Family Day | Celebrates families |
| Ontario | Family Day | Celebrates families |
| Saskatchewan | Family Day | Celebrates families |
| Nova Scotia | Heritage Day | Celebrates provincial heritage (different honoree chosen each year) |
| Prince Edward Island | Islander Day | Celebrates PEI heritage and island identity |
| Other provinces/territories | No holiday | – |
In 2008, schools in Manitoba were asked to help name a new holiday in February, and 114 schools participated. Among 114 submissions, the choice of “Louis Riel Day” has practical implications:
- For employers: Use “Louis Riel Day” instead of “Family Day” to avoid appearing culturally insensitive
- For educators: Have annual teachable moments about Métis history
- For observers: Encourages cultural engagement rather than just treating it as a generic day off
So, if you move between Manitoba and other provinces, understand that Louis Riel Day and Family Day occupy the same calendar slot and have identical employment law status.
An employer who transfers you from Manitoba to Ontario cannot eliminate your third Monday in February statutory holiday. It just becomes Family Day instead. Similarly, Alberta businesses with Manitoba locations must provide Louis Riel Day (not Family Day) to Manitoba employees.
Your right to general holiday pay applies not just to Louis Riel Day. So, protect yourself by understanding the other eight statutory holidays in Manitoba:
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
The bottom line
Louis Riel is recognized as the Father of Manitoba, and this holiday honours his legacy and the contributions of the Métis people. Unlike other Canadian provinces that celebrate a generic “Family Day,” Manitoba specifically remembers one of its founders. Make sure you know your employment rights, find out what’s open for errands or activities, and take the chance to learn more about your province.
Disclaimer: This guide offers general information about employment standards in Manitoba, but it is not legal advice. Since laws can change, check with Employment Standards Manitoba at 204-945-3352 or 1-800-821-4307 for the latest details.
FAQs about Louis Riel Day in Manitoba
Is Louis Riel Day Celebrated Outside Manitoba?
No, Louis Riel Day as a statutory holiday exists only in Manitoba. Other provinces observe different holidays on the third Monday of February: Family Day (Alberta, BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan), Heritage Day (Nova Scotia), or Islander Day (Prince Edward Island).
However, some communities outside Manitoba hold unofficial Louis Riel Day observances, particularly on November 16, the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885.
What if Employers do not offer Louis Riel Day off or do not pay me correctly?
Contact Employment Standards Manitoba at 1-800-821-4307 to discuss your situation. Employment Standards can investigate complaints, order employers to pay owed wages, and impose penalties for violations.
What if I am self-employed or a contract worker?
Statutory holiday rules generally do not apply to you because you are not an employee under the Employment Standards Code. Self-employed individuals and contractors do not receive general holiday pay and are not entitled to paid days off.
Do international students working in Manitoba get Louis Riel Day off?
Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your entitlement to statutory holidays under Manitoba employment law.
What’s the history behind naming it Louis Riel Day instead of Family Day?
In 2007, Manitoba’s government created a new statutory holiday for the third Monday of February to address the long gap between New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Rather than naming it themselves, they held a unique competition inviting Manitoba schools to suggest names that reflected the province’s citizenship, history, culture, arts, sports, or significant individuals.
Are there any foods or traditions associated with Louis Riel Day?
No. Those wanting to honour the holiday’s cultural significance might explore traditional Métis cuisine, which blends Indigenous and French-Canadian influences.
Are there special souvenirs or gifts related to Louis Riel Day?
Louis Riel Day doesn’t have a commercial gift-giving tradition or specific merchandise industry. However, you can find thoughtful items related to Louis Riel and Métis culture at certain locations.
What’s the difference between Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont?
Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont were both Métis leaders who fought for their people’s rights, but they played different roles. Louis Riel was the political and spiritual leader. Meanwhile, Gabriel Dumont was the military leader who led Métis forces during the North-West Rebellion of 1885.
