Ontario Announces Statutory Holiday Dates for 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about statutory holidays in Ontario for 2024 and 2025. Statutory holidays are special days when employees get time off work, and employers must ensure they follow the rules set out by the Employment Standards Act (ESA). Let’s explore these holidays, how they affect you, and what you need to do to make sure you’re getting the right benefits.

What Are Statutory Holidays?

Statutory holidays, often called “stat holidays,” are official days when most employees get time off work. These holidays are set by either the federal government or by provincial and territorial governments. In Ontario, there are specific days every year that are considered statutory holidays. On these days, employees are usually paid time off, plus they may get extra pay if they work.

Stat Holidays in Ontario for 2024

Ontario has nine statutory holidays each year. Here’s a table listing the dates for 2024:

Some additional days, like Remembrance Day (November 11) and Civic Holiday (the first Monday in August), are not official statutory holidays in Ontario, but some employers may choose to recognize them.

Eligibility for Stat Holiday Pay

To be eligible for statutory holiday pay, employees generally must work their last shift before the holiday and their first shift after it. If you miss these shifts for a valid reason, you might still qualify for holiday pay. This rule applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.

How to Calculate Stat Holiday Pay

In Ontario, holiday pay is calculated based on your wages from the four weeks before the holiday. Here’s a simple formula:

1. Add up your regular hourly wages for the four weeks before the holiday.
2. Include any vacation pay you earned during those weeks.
3. Divide the total by 20 to find out your holiday pay.

If you work on a statutory holiday, you receive extra pay. This is usually 1.5 times your normal rate for the hours worked. For example, if you work 8 hours on a holiday and your normal rate is $15 per hour, you would earn $180 for those 8 hours ($15 x 1.5 x 8).

Conclusion

Understanding statutory holidays in Ontario is crucial for both employees and employers. Make sure you are aware of the specific dates and the rules for holiday pay. If you work on a stat holiday, you should receive extra pay as well. Keeping track of these details will help ensure you get all the benefits you are entitled to.

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