British Columbia Statutory Holidays: Comprehensive Guide for 2025-26

Wondering about stat holidays in British Columbia? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about B.C. statutory holidays, including dates, holiday pay rules, and eligibility requirements. 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 B.C.

British Columbia Statutory Holidays: What Are They and When Are They?

B.C. 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 B.C. statutory holidays and their dates for 2024-2026:

Why This Matters for 2025 and 2026

Many employees and employers are already planning ahead for the 2025 and 2026 calendar years. Knowing the exact dates of B.C. stat holidays helps ensure compliance with employment standards, proper scheduling, and accurate holiday pay calculations. Bookmark this guide for easy reference in the coming years.

Optional Holidays

Some employers in B.C. may also observe optional holidays like Easter Monday or other religious and cultural holidays, but these are not considered official statutory holidays under B.C.’s ESA.

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

Stat Holiday Pay Rules in B.C.: How It Works

Employees in B.C. are entitled to stat holiday pay if they meet the following conditions:

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

If you meet these criteria, you are entitled to:

• A day off with stat holiday pay, or
• Premium pay if you work on the holiday.

How to Calculate Stat Holiday Pay in B.C.

To calculate statutory holiday pay in B.C.:

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 Rules for Stat Holidays in B.C.

Some roles in British Columbia 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 Are Not Entitled to Statutory Holiday Pay

Under Employment Standards Regulation 396/95 of B.C.’s Employment Standards Act, managers are not entitled to statutory holiday pay. This means employers are not 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.

What Happens if You Are Terminated Around a Stat Holiday?

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

If you’ve been terminated without cause or for cause in B.C. before or after a stat holiday, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Contact a B.C. employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately to ensure you’re receiving proper compensation.

Do not accept severance offers or sign termination papers without speaking to an employment lawyer first. Employers often pressure employees to accept inadequate severance packages. Once you sign these documents, you waive your right to negotiate a fair 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: B.C. Stat Holidays

1. Do you get paid for stat holidays in B.C.?

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

2. How is holiday pay calculated in B.C.?

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

3. What if I work on a stat holiday?

If you work 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.

Talk To an Employment Lawyer

The knowledgeable employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals across the country.

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

Our lawyers in B.C., Alberta, 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 B.C.
• B.C. Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers
• B.C. Severance Pay Calculator
• Minimum Wage in B.C.
• Vacation Pay in B.C.: Employee Rights
• B.C. Vacation Time