2023 Statutory Holidays in Ontario: The Complete List
Publié le 12 January 2023
Plan your next day off from work with the complete list of 2023 statutory holidays in Ontario.
The year brings new statutory holidays. It is important to spend time away from work, as it improves your physical, mental and emotional well-being. A holiday is an opportunity to connect with loved ones, relax and have fun. This will help you return to working feeling refreshed and recharged. As statutory holidays are paid time off, you don’t even have to worry about your next paycheck. It is never too early in the year to start planning your next day off. Grab your new calendar and start planning your next break from work with the 2023 statutory holidays in Ontario.
Here is the complete list of the 2023 Statutory Holidays (and one Civic Holiday) in Ontario:
- January 2 – Monday: New Year’s Day (in lieu of January 1)
- February 20 – Monday: Family Day (Ontario)
- April 7 – Friday: Good Friday
- May 22 – Monday: Victoria Day
- July 3 – Monday: Canada Day (in lieu of July 1)
- August 7 – Monday: Ontario Civic Holiday
- September 4 – Monday: Labour Day
- October 9 – Monday: Thanksgiving
- December 25 – Monday: Christmas Day
- December 26 – Tuesday: Boxing Day
What Is A Statutory Holiday?
Statutory holidays are public holidays mandated through legislation from federal, territorial or provincial governments. On these specific days throughout the year, many employees are legally entitled to a paid day off or increased compensation in exchange for working. The Federal Government of Canada mandates six statutory holidays, meaning that they apply across the country. Every province and territory are also responsible for creating additional statutory holidays as they deem appropriate. The province of Ontario, home to over 7 million workers, currently has nine statutory holidays and one additional civic holiday as of 2023.
Did Canada Day Change?
You are not ready the list incorrectly. Canada remains July 1st, and this year that date falls on Saturday. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, the official day off gets transferred to the following Monday. This ensures that people still receive a paid day off from work even what the stat holiday is on a Saturday or a Sunday. People can enjoy all the fireworks, barbeques and celebrations of Canada and then have a paid day on Monday, July 3rd.
Please note, this applies mainly to people who work Monday-to-Friday jobs, or for government agencies. If you are scheduled to work on a Saturday which is a statutory holiday, you may receive that day off from work or additional holiday pay. Certain sectors, such as the restaurant industry and certain retail stores may still be working on July 1st. Some employers may also offer a paid day off from work on the Friday proceeding the Saturday holiday, June 30 in 2023. Please always check with your provincial government to confirm the exact requirements and responsibilities for employers and employees.
Rethink The (Unofficial) Extra Long Weekend
When there is a paid 2023 statutory holiday on a Friday or Monday, many people will probably consider calling in sick and making it a four-day weekend. This may not be the best idea, however. 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 stat holiday itself. This means that if you have an unapproved absence on the Friday before Labor Day, you will not be eligible to receive holiday pay on the actual statutory holiday.
What If You’re Working On A Statutory Holiday?
While many people will spend the paid time off relaxing with family and friends, there are also many people who will still be working on 2023 statutory holidays in Ontario. Private companies are still allowed to require employees to work on stat holidays. This is why servers working= at restaurants will still work on the Victoria Day stat holiday. However, these employees must be compensated at a premium rate by their employers in exchange for working on a 2023 statutory holiday.
This is commonly known as “time and a half.” On statutory holidays, employees are entitled to their regular pay plus an additional 50% by law. For example, an employee who earns $15.50 an hour on a regular day will earn $23.25 ($15.50+$7.75) per hour for working on a 2023 statutory holiday in Ontario. Another option allowed under the law is for employees to agree to additional paid time off on regular working days in exchange for working on a stat holiday.
Additional Holidays
There are additional days during the year which some employers choose to treat as days off from work. It’s important to note that as these are not official 2023 statutory holidays, employers are under no legal obligation to pay their employees if they have the day off.
April 10 – Monday: Easter Monday
Some employers give their employees 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.
September 30 – Saturday: 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 today. It a time to reflect on these shameful programs and on what actions can be taken under Indigenous leadership to address these issues. A Federal statutory holiday, it is not currently an official provincial holiday in Ontario, although some employers can choose to observe.
Plan Your Holidays
Now that you know the complete list of 2023 statutory holidays in Ontario, you’re ready to plan how you will spend this time off. Whether you go on a trip with your loved ones, spend time with friends, or just enjoy a quiet peaceful day with family, these days are important to your overall well-being. Grab your calendar, circle these stat holidays and get ready for some time off.
