Alberta Statutory Holidays: Comprehensive Guide for 2025-26

Wondering about stat holidays in Alberta? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Alberta statutory holidays, including dates, holiday pay rules, and eligibility for stat holiday pay. Whether you’re a non-unionized employee or employer, we’ve got you covered with clear and simple answers to common questions about public holidays in Alberta.

Alberta Statutory Holidays: What Are They and When Are They

Alberta recognizes 9 statutory holidays under Alberta’s Employment Standards Code (ESC). These are officially recognized days when most employees are entitled to a day off with 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 Alberta statutory holidays and their dates for 2024-2026:

Optional Holidays

Some employers may also observe optional holidays like Heritage Day (August) or Easter Monday, but these are not official Alberta stat holidays.

• Easter Monday: Day after Easter Sunday
• Heritage Day: First Monday in August
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Every September 30
• Remembrance Day: Every November 11

Stat Holiday Pay Rules in Alberta: How It Works

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

• Eligibility Requirements
  • You must have worked for the employer for at least 30 days in the 12 months before the holiday.
  • You must work your last scheduled shift before and your first scheduled shift after the holiday, unless you have an approved absence.
• Work on a Stat Holiday
  • If you work on a statutory holiday, your employer must pay you 1.5x your regular hourly wage for all hours worked, in addition to your regular stat holiday pay, or give you an alternate day off with pay.

How to Calculate Holiday Pay in Alberta

To calculate general holiday pay in Alberta:

• Add up your total wages, vacation pay, and general holiday pay earned in the four weeks before the holiday.
• Divide this amount by the number of days worked during that period.

Example:
If you earned $3,000 in wages, vacation pay, and stat holiday pay in the four weeks before the holiday, and you worked 20 days during that period:

• $3,000 ÷ 20 = $150 (stat holiday pay)

If you work on the holiday, you are entitled to premium pay (1.5x your regular wage) in addition to this amount.

Special Rules for Industries in Alberta

Certain industries in Alberta, such as oil and gas, hospitality, and healthcare, have specific rules regarding stat holiday pay and work requirements. Employers must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties.

What Happens if You Are Terminated Around a Stat Holiday?

If your employment ends before or after a statutory holiday, your employer must still pay you any accrued holiday pay. This applies even if you did not work on the holiday. Termination without proper compensation is a violation of Alberta’s ESC.

If you’ve been fired without cause or for cause in Alberta before or after taking a stat holiday it’s crucial to understand your rights through a consultation with an Alberta employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately.

Do not accept any severance offer, termination papers, or exit agreement from your employer, even if they come with a deadline. These deadlines are pressure tactics used to push you into accepting inadequate compensation. Once you sign and return these documents, you forfeit your ability to negotiate a fair and proper severance package. A full severance package in Alberta can be as much as 24 months’ pay.

If you believe your rights have been violated, contact our experienced team for assistance.

Key Takeaways for Employees and Employers

• Alberta recognizes 9 official stat holidays where employees are entitled to take a day off or receive holiday pay.
• Optional holidays like Heritage Day and Easter Monday may be observed at the employer’s discretion.
• Employers must follow stat holiday pay rules outlined in Alberta’s Employment Standards Code.
• Federally regulated employees have different entitlements. For more detailed information, check out our General Holidays for Federally Regulated Employees blog.

FAQ: Alberta Stat Holidays

1. Do you get paid for stat holidays in Alberta

Yes, most employees are entitled to stat holiday pay if they meet eligibility requirements, such as working their last and first scheduled shifts around the holiday.

2. How is holiday pay calculated in Alberta?

Holiday pay is calculated by dividing your total earnings in the four weeks before the holiday by the number of days worked in that period.

3. What if I work on a stat holiday?

If you work on a statutory holiday, you’re entitled to premium pay (1.5x your regular wage) or a substitute day off with pay.

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

If you have questions about statutory holiday pay, termination around a public holiday, or any workplace issue in Alberta, contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today. Our experienced employment lawyers have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized employees secure proper compensation and resolve workplace disputes.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we have experience securing solutions for the following employment matters:

Our lawyers in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario stand ready to help you solve your workplace issues.

Call 1-855-821-5900 or fill out our online contact form to get started on securing the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Related Resources

• Termination Without Cause in Alberta
• Alberta Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers
• Alberta Severance Pay Calculator
• Minimum Wage in Alberta
• Vacation Pay in Alberta: Employee Rights
• Alberta Vacation Time
• Minimum Legal Working Age in Alberta