The formula
Public holiday pay = (regular wages + vacation pay payable in the 4 work weeks before the work week of the holiday) ÷ 20.
The 20 is four weeks of five working days, so for a steady full-time schedule holiday pay works out to about one normal day’s pay. Part-time and irregular workers get a share based on what they actually earned. Example from the Ontario guide: $120 a day, five days a week, no vacation: $2,400 ÷ 20 = $120.
If you work on the holiday
If you agree to work, you pick one of two options:
- Public holiday pay plus premium pay of 1.5 times your regular rate for every hour worked, with no day off later; or
- Regular pay for the hours worked and a substitute holiday: a later day off paid at public holiday pay, within 3 months (or up to 12 months if you agree in writing).
To qualify you generally must work your full last scheduled shift before the holiday and your full first scheduled shift after it, unless you have reasonable cause.
Ontario public holidays
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Fri, Jan 1 |
| Family Day | Mon, Feb 16 | Mon, Feb 15 |
| Good Friday | Fri, Apr 3 | Fri, Mar 26 |
| Victoria Day | Mon, May 18 | Mon, May 24 |
| Canada Day | Wed, Jul 1 | Thu, Jul 1 |
| Labour Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Mon, Sep 6 |
| Thanksgiving | Mon, Oct 12 | Mon, Oct 11 |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Sat, Dec 25 |
| Boxing Day | Sat, Dec 26 | Sun, Dec 26 |
When a holiday falls on a day you would not normally work, such as a weekend, you are entitled to a substitute day off with holiday pay, or holiday pay in place of the day off if you agree in writing. Civic Holiday (first Monday in August) and Easter Monday are not public holidays under the ESA, though many employers give them. Union agreements often add more holidays and higher rates.
Sources: Ontario: ESA guide, public holidays · Ontario: ESA guide, overtime pay
Questions
How is stat holiday pay calculated in Ontario?
Add up your regular wages and vacation pay for the four work weeks before the work week of the holiday and divide by 20. Overtime and premium pay are left out.
What do I get if I work on a stat holiday in Ontario?
Either public holiday pay plus 1.5 times your regular rate for each hour worked, or your regular pay for the hours plus a substitute paid day off later. You choose, in writing or electronically.
Do part-time workers get holiday pay in Ontario?
Yes. Full-time, part-time and new employees qualify. Holiday pay is based on what you actually earned in the four weeks before, so it is smaller if you worked fewer days.
Is Civic Holiday a stat holiday in Ontario?
No. The August Civic Holiday and Easter Monday are not public holidays under the Employment Standards Act, although many employers and union agreements give them.