2022 Statutory Holidays in Ontario: The Complete List
Publié le 13 January 2022
A new year means new statutory holidays. These days are important breaks from work that we can spend with friends and family. A holiday allows us the opportunity to relax, disconnect and recharge before returning to work. And statutory holidays are paid time-off, so it’s even better. It’s never too early to look ahead at the upcoming statutory holidays and plan your time off. Grab your calendar and start planning your next fun (and paid) break from work with the 2022 statutory holidays in Ontario.
Here is the complete list of the 2022 Statutory Holidays (and one Civic Holiday) in Ontario:
- January 3 – Monday: New Years Day (in lieu of January 1)
- February 21 – Monday: Family Day (Ontario)
- April 15 – Friday: Good Friday
- May 23 – Monday: Victoria Day
- July 1 – Friday: Canada Day
- August 1 – Monday: Ontario Civic Holiday
- September 5 – Monday: Labour Day
- October 10 – Monday: Thanksgiving
- December 26 – Monday: Boxing Day
- December 27 – Tuesday: Christmas Day (in lieu of December 25)
What Is A Statutory Holiday?
Statutory holidays – also known as stats holidays if you’re running short of time- are public holidays mandated through federal, territorial or provincial legislation. On these days, many employees are legally entitled to a day off or increased compensation for working. The Federal Government of Canada currently mandates six statutory holidays, meaning that they apply to across all of Canada. Every province and territory is also responsible for creating their own additional statutory holidays as they deem appropriate. The province of Ontario, home to more than 7.2 million workers, currently has nine statutory holidays and one additional civic holiday.
Why Did Christmas and Boxing Day Change??
You’re not reading it wrong. The official statutory holiday for Christmas in Ontario is December 27th, the day after Boxing Day. This is due to the fact that December 25 falls on a Sunday in 2022, while Boxing Day is on Monday. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, these paid days off are pushed into the next work week in order to ensure that people still enjoy time away. In 2022, this means that people may be able to finish off their Christmas leftovers on the stat holiday. Christmas Day itself is still on the 25th as always, so there’s no reason to change your milk-and-cookies plans.
Rethink The (Unofficial) Extra Long Weekend
With a paid 2022 statutory holiday on a Friday or Monday, it’s easy to see the temptation to call in sick and make it an extra long weekend. But this may not be the best idea. As per official legislation, if you have an unapproved absence from work on the day before or the day after a statutory holiday you will not receive holiday pay on the day itself. Meaning if you have an unapproved absence on the Tuesday after Labour Day weekend, for example, you will not be eligible to receive holiday pay for the stat holiday itself.
What If You’re Still Working On A Statutory Holiday?
Despite many people looking forward to the 2022 statutory holidays in Ontario having days for rest and relaxation, a fair number of employees will still be working on these days. Private companies can still require employees to work on these stat holidays, a common practice in the bar, restaurant and hospitality industries, for instance. In exchange, however, employers must compensate their employees at a premium rate for working on a 2022 statutory holiday.
Commonly known as “time and a half”, employees are entitled to their regular pay plus an additional 50% on statutory holidays. For example, an employee who earns $15.00 an hour on a regular day will earn $22.50 ($15.00+$7.50) per hour for working on a 2022 statutory holiday in Ontario. It is also legal for employers and employees to agree to additional paid time off on regular work days in exchange for working on stat holidays.
Additional Holidays
Just as the provincial government can create additional holidays, employers can choose to acknowledge other holidays and give employees a day off. There are two common additional holidays some employers offer their workers:
April 18 – Monday: Easter Monday
Some employers give their employees the Easter Monday off from work in addition to the Good Friday statutory holiday, allowing for an extra long weekend right around the time the spring thaw really gets going..
August 1 – Monday: Ontario Civic Holiday
Also known as Simcoe Day in Ontario, and commonly just called the August Long Weekend. This is an optional holiday created by the Ontario government. Employers are not obligated to give their employees the day off, but a fair number do depending on the sector and industry.
September 19 – National Day of Mourning
The Federal Government has announced a National Day of Mourning to be held on Monday, September 19th, marking the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a Federal statutory holiday, meaning the employee of the Federal government in Ontario will have the day off from work. The Ontario government has announced that they will not follow suit and declare the day as an official provincial holiday, meaning it is a regular work day for all non-Federal employees in the province.
September 30 – Friday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
First legislated in 2021, this day is meant to recognize and acknowledge the tragic legacy of Canada’s residential school system, and how it continues to harm and affect Indigenous communities. It is meant as a time to reflect on these shameful programs and on what actions can be taken under Indigenous leadership to address these issues today. A Federal statutory holiday, it is not currently an official provincial holiday in Ontario, although some employers can choose to observe.
Now that you know the upcoming 2022 statutory holidays in Ontario, you’re ready to enjoy some time away from work with family and friends. Mark your calendars and get ready!
