BC Stat Holidays: Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Wondering about statutory holidays in British Columbia (BC)?

This 2026 guide breaks down everything you need to know, including:

• Dates
• Holiday pay rules
• Eligibility requirements

Whether you’re a non-unionized employee or an employer, we’ve got you covered with clear and simple answers to common questions about public holidays in the province.

How Many Stat Holidays Does BC Have?

BC recognizes 11 statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). These are officially recognized days when most employees are entitled to a day off with stat holiday pay.

If an employee works on a statutory holiday, they must receive premium pay or an alternate day off with pay.

Here’s the full list of BC statutory holidays and their dates for 2026:

Why This Matters

Many employees and employers are already planning ahead for the 2026 calendar year.

Knowing the exact dates of BC stat holidays helps ensure compliance with employment standards, proper scheduling, and accurate holiday pay calculations. Bookmark this guide for easy reference!

Optional Holidays

Some employers in BC may also observe optional holidays (i.e. Easter Monday), but these aren’t considered official statutory holidays under the ESA.

• Easter Monday: Day after Easter Sunday
• Boxing Day: Every December 26

Stat Holiday Pay Rules in BC

Employees in BC are entitled to stat holiday pay if they meet the following conditions:

• You’ve been employed for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday
• You’ve worked or earned wages on at least 15 of the 30 days immediately before the holiday

If you meet this criteria, you’re entitled to a day off with stat holiday pay, or premium pay if you work on the holiday.

Calculating Stat Holiday Pay in BC

1. Add up the employee’s total wages (excluding overtime) earned in the 30 calendar days before the holiday
2. Divide this amount by the number of days worked during that period

Example: If you earned $3,000 in the 30 days before the holiday and worked 15 days during that period:

• $3,000 ÷ 15 = $200 (stat holiday pay)

If you worked on the holiday, you’d also receive premium pay on top of this amount.

Occupations with Special Holiday Rules in BC

Some roles in BC have unique rules and exemptions for statutory holiday pay under the ESA.

These exceptions apply to specific types of workers, including:

• Managers: Managers are excluded from statutory holiday pay entitlements.
• Farm Workers: Special rules apply for individuals working in agriculture.
• Commission-Based Salespeople: Those working on commission may have different rules regarding holiday pay.

Employers must understand and comply with the provisions outlined in the ESA for these occupations.

Managers Not Entitled to BC Stat Holiday Pay

Under Employment Standards Regulation 396/95 of the ESA, managers aren’t entitled to statutory holiday pay. This means employers aren’t required to provide managers with paid time off or premium pay for working on a statutory holiday.

• Why? Managers often have greater flexibility and autonomy in their roles compared to other employees. However, it’s important to confirm whether someone is classified as a manager under the ESA’s definition, as misclassification can lead to disputes.

Fired Around a BC Stat Holiday? Next Steps

If your employment ends in BC before or after a statutory holiday, your employer must pay you any accrued holiday pay. This applies even if you didn’t work on the holiday. Termination without proper compensation violates the ESA.

If you’ve been terminated without cause or for cause in BC before or after a stat holiday, it’s crucial to understand your rights. The Vancouver employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review your situation and help you understand your rights under BC law.

IMPORTANT: Don’t accept a severance offer or sign termination papers before seeking legal advice. Employers often pressure employees to accept inadequate severance packages.

Once you sign these documents, you waive your right to negotiate a fair BC severance package, which could be as much as 24 months’ pay.

Key Takeaways for Employees and Employers

• BC recognizes 11 statutory holidays where employees are entitled to a day off or stat holiday pay
• Employees must meet specific eligibility criteria to receive statutory holiday pay
• If you work on a stat holiday, you’re entitled to premium pay in addition to holiday pay
• Employers must follow BC’s statutory holiday rules outlined in the ESA

FAQ: BC Stat Holidays

Do Workers Get Paid for Stat Holidays in BC?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you’re entitled to stat holiday pay.

How Do I Calculate Holiday Pay in BC?

Holiday pay in BC is calculated by dividing your total wages earned in the 30 days before the holiday by the number of days worked during that period.

I Worked a BC Stat Holiday, How’s My Pay Affected?

If you worked on a stat holiday, you’re entitled to 1.5x your regular wage for the first 12 hours worked and 2x your regular wage for additional hours. You’ll also receive stat holiday pay.

Workplace Issue? Get Help Now

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped thousands of non-unionized employees across BC successfully resolve various workplace issues, including:

• Wrongful dismissal or termination without cause
• Severance package reviews
• Holiday pay and vacation pay disputes
• Employment contracts and misclassification
• Maternity and parental leave rights in BC
• Disability or insurance claim denials

Our BC employment lawyers are in your corner. Call 1-855-821-5900 or contact us online.

Related Resources

• Termination Without Cause in BC
• BC Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers
• BC Severance Pay Calculator
• Minimum Wage in BC
• BC Vacation Time