Victoria Day 2025: Is May 2-4 a holiday and who gets the day off work with pay in Ontario?
Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday falling on Monday, May 19. The May long weekend marks the unofficial start of the cottage season in Canada.
Most employees in Ontario will get the day off on May 19.
Victoria Day is listed as both a federal
statutory holiday in Canada
and a
public holiday in Ontario
.
However, Victoria Day is considered a nonstatutory 'general' holiday in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I.
According to
Ontario.ca
, most employees who qualify are entitled to take this day off work or be paid public holiday pay.
For those who have to work, full-time employees are usually paid time-and-a-half for their hours.
Some employers may also offer workers regular pay for the shift, but add extra time off in lieu of holiday wages.
For those getting another substitute holiday day, employees must be paid public holiday pay for those hours.
There are some workers who are exempt from getting public holiday coverage under the
Employment Standards Act
, such as taxi drivers and health care workers.
Federal, provincial and municipal government offices and banks will be closed on Victoria Day. Canada Post won't be operating on the stat holiday, either.
Private business hours will vary. In Ontario, some grocery stores and pharmacies may be open — along with some restaurants and transportation companies such as transit, taxi, airport or ridesharing services. Transportation services may be operating on holiday hours. Check schedules before heading out.
Staff at hospitals and first responders will also be on shift.
Check with your local business to confirm hours.
For more information about public holidays, visit the
Province of Ontario
website.
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