Understanding statutory holidays in Canada and holiday compensation in Manitoba can be tricky for both employers and employees. With changing eligibility rules, variable pay calculation formulas, premium pay requirements, and shifting observance dates, it’s essential for everyone to fully grasp public holiday standards in the province. This guide examines everything you need to know about statutory holidays in Manitoba for 2025.
Complete List of Statutory Holidays in Manitoba in 2025
Manitoba has nine paid statutory holidays each calendar year that most employees are entitled to take off work and receive holiday pay for.
Here is a calendar showing the full list of Manitoba statutory holidays and their dates for 2024-2026
| MB’s Holiday | 2024 Date | 2025 Date | 2026 Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1 | Wednesday, January 1 | Thursday, January 1 |
| Louis Riel Day | Monday, February 19 | Monday, February 17 | Monday, February 16 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 29 | Friday, April 18 | Friday, April 3 |
| Victoria Day | Monday, May 20 | Monday, May 19 | Monday, May 18 |
| Canada Day | Monday, July 1 | Tuesday, July 1 | Wednesday, July 1 |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 2 | Monday, September 1 | Monday, September 7 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Monday, September 30th | Tuesday, September 30th | Wednesday, September 30th |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 14 | Monday, October 13 | Monday, October 12 |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25 | Thursday, December 25 | Friday, December 25 |
While other provinces observe a February holiday called Family Day, Manitoba marks the same day as Louis Riel Day.
Easter Sunday, Terry Fox Day, Remembrance Day and Boxing Day are not considered paid public holidays in Manitoba.
Who is Eligible for Statutory Holiday Pay in Manitoba?
To qualify for statutory holiday pay in Manitoba, employees need to meet the following conditions:
Universal Eligibility Rules
Length of service doesn’t affect holiday pay entitlement. Employees qualify immediately upon hiring. Even if someone starts work one day before a holiday, they still receive 5% of that day’s wages as holiday pay.
Both full-time and part-time employees receive equal statutory holiday benefits. No minimum hours or tenure requirements exist.
The “First and Last” Rule
Employees must satisfy attendance requirements. Workers must complete their last scheduled shift before the holiday and first scheduled shift after. Missing either shift without employer permission disqualifies holiday pay eligibility. However, this rule comes with flexibility. If you have your employer’s permission to be absent for one of those shifts—for example, if you have an approved vacation day – your eligibility for stat pay is not affected.
Disqualifying Factors
There are only three specific situations that would make you ineligible for statutory holiday pay:
- Unauthorized absence from scheduled holiday work
- Missing shifts before or after holidays without permission
- Specific employment types: Election officials, enumerators, and temporary appointees under the Elections Act
These rules ensure fair distribution while maintaining workplace attendance standards.
How to Calculate Pay for Statutory Holidays in Manitoba?
The statutory holiday pay an employee is entitled to depends on whether they work regular, consistent hours or variable hours.
| Employee Type | Statutory Holiday Pay | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Consistent hours | Average daily wage | An employee who works 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, will receive 8 hours’ worth of regular pay |
| Variable hours | 5% of the employee’s gross wages in the 4 weeks before the holiday | An employee earning $1,200 in the previous 4 weeks would receive: $1,200 x 5% = $60 statutory holiday pay. |
Construction employees receive 4% of gross wages as statutory holiday pay. This is often paid out on each paycheck instead of the holiday itself.
Pay for Working on Manitoba Statutory Holidays
Here are the rules for public holiday premium pay in Manitoba:
| Working on Holiday | Compensation Required |
|---|---|
| Most employers | 1.5 x regular wage for all hours worked + regular stat pay |
| Employers in specified industries | Can substitute different days off with stat pay instead of 1.5x premium |
Employees who work on a statutory holiday are entitled to premium pay of 1.5 times their regular wages for all hours worked, in addition to the regular statutory holiday pay.
For example:
Steve earns $17/hour and works 8 hours during the holiday. His stat holiday pay is 8 hours at $17/hour = $136. He also gets 1.5x his wage for working the holiday: 8 × 1.5 × $17 = $204. In total, Steve receives $340 for the statutory holiday.
Alternative to Premium Pay in Certain Industries
Certain employers can substitute another day off with statutory pay instead of paying premium wages for working on the holiday:
- Hotels, restaurants, hospitals, gas stations
- Places of amusement
- Continuous operation businesses
- Climate-controlled agricultural businesses
- Seasonal industries (excluding construction)
The substitute day off must be provided within 30 days of the holiday, or can be added to annual vacation time if agreed upon. All other employers must pay statutory holiday premium wages at 1.5 times regular rates.
Statutory Holiday Pay for Irregular Work Schedules
Some employees in Manitoba may work irregular shifts that do not have a consistent “first scheduled shift” before and after the holiday.
For these employees, as long as they have worked some hours in the previous 30 calendar days before the statutory holiday, they qualify for holiday pay. Their statutory holiday pay is still calculated as 5% of gross pay in the 4 weeks prior.
Source: Employment Standards – gov.mb.ca
Other Special Statutory Holiday Considerations in Manitoba
Manitoba has special rules for certain holidays, like Remembrance Day, weekend holidays, and Canada Day, that affect pay and how they’re observed.
Remembrance Day
While Remembrance Day (November 11th) is not a statutory holiday in Manitoba, there are special rules regarding pay. Retail businesses must be closed between 9 am and 1 pm on Remembrance Day.
Employees who work on Remembrance Day must receive:
- At least half a regular workday’s wages at 1.5 times their regular wage
- If working more than half their normal hours, they receive full statutory holiday premium pay
Weekend Holidays
When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday. This ensures that employees still get the employee benefit of a day off, even if the holiday falls on a weekend.
However, Canada Day (July 1st) is observed on the following Tuesday if it falls on a Sunday to keep the observance close to the actual holiday date.
Can Employers Change or Substitute Statutory Holidays?
Manitoba allows flexibility in holiday scheduling, but only under specific conditions. This helps balance business needs with employee rights.
Legal Substitution Options
Employers may substitute different days for all holidays except Orange Shirt Day. Two methods enable substitution:
- Collective agreements negotiated with unions
- Written agreement from a majority of affected employees
Documentation requirements protect both parties. As a result, employers should retain copies of agreements, though Employment Standards approval isn’t required.
Substitution Rules and Timelines
Substitute days must occur within 12 months of the original holiday. If employment ends before taking the substitute day, employers must pay holiday pay within 10 business days. This payment cannot count toward notice periods. These rules make sure employees get their holiday benefits on time while giving employers some flexibility.
Key Takeaways: Management Tips for Manitoba Employers
Managing statutory holidays properly is crucial for Manitoba employers. Here are seven essential tips you should keep in mind:
- Provide employees with a calendar of exact holiday dates for the year
- Understand “first and last shift” eligibility rules
- Follow proper statutory holiday pay calculation formulas
- Pay 1.5x premium wages for staff working holidays
- Be aware of substitute day off options for specific industries
- Ensure proper compensation for Remembrance Day requirements
- Accommodate irregular shift schedules
Ensuring managers understand eligibility rules is critical to properly administering statutory holiday compensation.
FAQs Related to Statutory Holidays in Manitoba
Can employers substitute another day off instead of paying the statutory holiday premium pay?
Yes, employers in specified industries like hospitality and agriculture can substitute another day off with stat pay instead of 1.5x premium pay for working on the holiday.
Do employees who work irregular shifts qualify for stat pay?
Yes, as long as they worked some hours in the 30 days prior to the holiday. Their stat pay is calculated as 5% of gross pay in the previous 4 weeks.
When do weekend statutory holidays get observed in Manitoba?
Weekend stat holidays are observed on the following Monday, except Canada Day, which, if it falls on a Sunday, is observed on the following Tuesday.
Do part-time employees get statutory holiday pay in Manitoba?
Yes, both full-time and part-time employees receive equal statutory holiday benefits. There are no minimum hour requirements or length of service restrictions.
Is Family Day a statutory holiday in Manitoba?
Family Day is not observed in Manitoba by that name. Instead, Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day on the third Monday of February. This year, Louis Riel Day falls on February 17, 2025, serving as Manitoba's equivalent to Family Day.
Do new employees qualify for statutory holiday pay in Manitoba?
Yes, employees qualify immediately upon hiring with no waiting period. An employee starting one day before a holiday receives 5% of that day's wages as holiday pay.
Do statutory holidays count as vacation days in Manitoba?
No, statutory holidays (also known as general holidays) do not count as vacation days in Manitoba. If a statutory holiday falls during an employee's scheduled vacation, the employee is entitled to receive another day off with pay in lieu of the holiday. They will also receive general holiday pay for that day.
Is overtime calculated on statutory holiday pay in Manitoba?
Yes, statutory holiday pay counts as hours worked for overtime calculations (per Manitoba regulations). This ensures proper compensation for weekly overtime thresholds.
