Canada Day 2025 in Ontario: Stat Holiday Rules & Pay

Quick Facts: Canada Day 2025 in Ontario

• 📅 Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
• ✅ Stat Holiday: Yes – recognized under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA)
• 💰 Paid Day Off: Yes – Most non-unionized employees are entitled to public holiday pay
• 🕒 Working that day? You’re owed extra pay or a substitute day off
• ⚠️ Fired near July 1? You may still be owed holiday pay and severance

What is Canada Day?

Canada Day is a national holiday celebrated every year on July 1st. It marks the anniversary of Canada’s confederation in 1867. In Ontario, it’s recognized as a statutory holiday, which means most employees are legally entitled to a paid day off or premium pay if required to work.

When is Canada Day in Ontario?

Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Here are the dates for upcoming years:

Is Canada Day a Stat Holiday in Ontario?

Yes. Canada Day is a statutory holiday under Ontario’s ESA. Most employees are entitled to:

• A paid day off, or
• Holiday pay + 1.5x regular wages if they work, or
• Regular pay + a future day off (substitute holiday)

Employers must comply with stat holiday rules, even if Canada Day falls on a weekend.

Do I Get Paid for Canada Day?

You’re entitled to statutory holiday pay if:

• You’re covered by the ESA
• You work your last scheduled shift before, and first scheduled shift after July 1 (“Last and First Rule”)

How to Calculate Canada Day Pay in Ontario

Here’s how holiday pay is calculated:

What If Canada Day Falls on a Weekend?

If Canada Day lands on a Saturday or Sunday (like in 2028 or 2029), your employer must give you:

• A different day off with holiday pay, or
• Premium pay if you work on the holiday and don’t get a substitute day

What If My Employer Doesn’t Follow the Rules?

If your employer refuses to follow holiday pay rules:

Fired Around Canada Day?

If you’re terminated without cause just before or after July 1, you are owed holiday pay and severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation in Ontario). What you are entitled to is often more than what your employer is offering.

Don’t sign anything before speaking with an employment lawyer. Even if a severance deadline is in place, it’s usually a pressure tactic.

Speak to an Ontario Employment Lawyer

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped tens of thousands of non-unionized employees in Ontario with issues like:

• Severance pay
• Wrongful dismissal
• Holiday pay violations
• Employment contracts and terminations

Our lawyers can review your situation and make sure your rights – and your pay – are fully protected.

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation to get the compensation you’re owed.

❓ Common Questions About Canada Day Pay

Do all employees get Canada Day off?

Not all — essential services and some industries (e.g. health care, retail, hospitality) may require work, but you’re still entitled to holiday compensation.

Can my employer deny me stat holiday pay?

No — if you meet ESA eligibility. If they refuse, you may have a legal claim.

How much do I get paid if I work on Canada Day?

You’re entitled to:

• Holiday pay + 1.5x pay, or
• Regular pay + a substitute day off with pay

What if I’m fired before Canada Day?

You may still qualify for holiday pay – and full severance. Speak to a lawyer before signing anything.