As the new year approaches, it’s important for employers to prepare for the upcoming statutory holidays to ensure compliance and avoid any last-minute confusion. Planning ahead helps your team stay organized, ensures payroll accuracy, and keeps operations running smoothly.

To help you stay on track, we’ve compiled a list of the 2026 Canadian statutory holidays, including the date and jurisdictional observance, so you can plan and communicate your schedules early.

2026 Canadian Statutory Holidays by Province/Territory

* Optional statutory holiday

** Employers in Quebec have the option of providing Good Friday or Easter Monday as a public holiday

Key Notes for Businesses

• Optional Statutory Holidays: Some holidays, like Boxing Day, may be recognized as optional in certain provinces or by specific employers.
• Regional Variations: Provinces such as Quebec have unique holidays like National Patriot’s Day (May 18) instead of Victoria Day.
• Civic Holidays: August civic holidays vary widely in their observance and naming, so confirm with local regulations.

Year-End Checklist for HR and Payroll Teams

As 2025 comes to a close, use this checklist to make sure your organization is fully prepared for 2026:

Looking Ahead to 2026

Statutory holiday planning is not just about following regulations. It provides an opportunity to organize schedules in advance, ensure operations run efficiently, communicate transparently with your team, and prioritize employees’ time and well-being throughout the year.

If you need support in ensuring compliance or managing your HR processes, MaxPeople’s HR experts are here to help. We’ll guide you through the latest employment standards updates and best practices so your team can focus on what matters most: your people.

For more information about fractional HR services, email [email protected] or call 1.888.709.1236