BC Stat Holidays: Comprehensive Guide for 2025-26

Wondering about stat holidays in British Columbia? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about BC 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 BC

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

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

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

Stat Holiday Pay Rules in BC: How It Works

Employees in BC 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 BC

To calculate statutory 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 Rules for Stat Holidays in BC

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 BC’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 BC 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 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.

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 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 you get paid for stat holidays in BC?

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

How is holiday pay calculated in BC?

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.

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.

Get Advice on Stat Holiday Pay and More

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we help non-unionized employees across BC understand their workplace rights — including statutory holiday pay and terminations around holidays.

We can assist with:

• 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

Whether your issue involves a missed stat holiday payment, job loss, or leave-related concern, our BC employment lawyers are here to help. Call 1-855-821-5900 or contact us online to secure the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Related Resources

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