The 2022 Construction Holidays: Everything You Need To Know
Publié le 15 July 2022
The 2022 construction holidays in Quebec are about to begin, here is everything you need to know about this annual tradition.
The old joke is that Canada has two seasons: winter and construction.
Construction is such an important season that entire industries have structured themselves around it. The summer brings the 2022 construction holidays in the province of Quebec. While not an official statutory holiday in the province, the construction holidays play an important role in the summer vacation of Quebec workers.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 construction holidays in Quebec.
What Are the Construction Holidays?
The construction holidays refers to a two-week period at the end of July/beginning of August in the province of Quebec when the majority of the construction industry shuts down and goes on vacation. It has become an unofficial holiday for people outside of the construction industry, and it is estimated that 150,000 people — a quarter of Quebec’s population — will take vacation from work during the 2022 construction holidays.
The practice dates from 1970, when the Quebec provincial government entered into agreement with labour leaders in the provincial construction industry for a two week paid holiday at the end of July. Over the past half-century, it has evolved into an annual tradition for many people employed in industries outside of construction.
When Are The 2022 Construction Holidays?
The summer 2022 construction holidays will take place from July 24th to August 6th. During this time, the majority of construction sites throughout the province will be shut down and many others will choose to take their summer vacation.
Are There Winter 2022 Construction Holidays?
Yes. There is an additional period of construction holidays which occur during the winter months. The winter 2022 construction holidays will take place from December 25th, 2022 to January 7th, 2023.
Is It A Paid Holiday?
It is only officially a paid holiday for those employed in the construction industry, per agreement between the union and the province of Quebec. Here’s how it works for construction workers:
The Commission de la Construction du Québec (CCQ) receives mandatory annual vacation pay from employers each month. This also includes public holidays and sick days. In total, these amounts represent 13% of the wages earned each week by construction workers.
This 13% is distributed as follows:
- Annual leave: 6%
- Non-working public holidays: 5.5%
- Sick leave: 1.5%
The CCQ pays employees these indemnities twice a year, during the construction holidays.
What About People Not Working In The Construction Industry?
For the thousands of people in other industries who take their holidays during this period, it is up to them to arrange paid holidays per their contract with their employer. Paid time off is a legal requirement for full-time employees in Canada. Many employers offer beyond the minimum required amount of PTO as a benefit in order to attract qualified job applicants.
Time away from work is not simply a nice to-have, but it is important for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Overwork has serious consequences, including burnout and exhaustion. Employees should always use their time off to the fullest extent possible, and employers should encourage them to do so in order to have a relaxed and refreshed workforce ready to perform at their best.
Additionally, there are nine statutory holidays in Quebec which apply to workers across the province.
Now that you know everything you need to know about the 2022 construction holidays in Quebec, start planning your next fun vacation away from the workplace.
