In British Columbia, holidays hold significance not only for employees seeking well-deserved time off but also for employers striving to maintain compliance and foster a positive workplace culture. This blog will address some commonly asked questions regarding statutory holidays in British Columbia.
Which dates, in 2024, do the Statutory Holidays Fall on in B.C.?
| New Year’s Day | Monday, January 1 |
| Family Day | Monday, February 19 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 29 |
| Victoria Day | Friday, March 29 |
| Canada Day | Monday, July 1 |
| B.C. Day | Monday, August 5 |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 2 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Monday, September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 14 |
| Remembrance Day | Monday, November 11 |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25 |
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Which days are not considered Statutory Holidays in British Columbia?
Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in B.C.
Who is eligible for statutory holiday pay?
To be eligible for stat holiday pay in British Columbia, employees must be employed for the past 30 calendar days and have worked or earned wages on 15 of the 30 days before the statutory holiday.
How is holiday pay calculated?
Public holiday pay would be calculated by referencing the past 30 calendar days before the holiday, including vacation days.
Total wages ÷ number of days worked = statutory holiday pay (an average day’s pay)
Include all wages: salary, vacation, commission, and stat holiday pay, but not overtime. This is the amount of holiday pay they would receive for that day.
Do part-time or casual employees receive the same holiday benefits as full-time employees?
If an employee has worked at least 15 days of the past 30, then the part time employee will qualify for statutory holiday pay.
Are there any exceptions or special rules for certain industries or types of employment?
The Government of British Columbia lists the following exclusions:
- Section 33 Nursing students and volunteer fire fighters.
- Section 34.1 Farm workers.
- Section 36 Managers.
- Section 37 Fishers.
- 8(2) High technology professionals.
- 9(8) Silviculture workers – if they get 4.4% on each pay cheque in lieu.
What if I’m on vacation or maternity/paternity leave during a statutory holiday?
While on maternity leave vacation is considered earned wages.
Can employers require employees to work on statutory holidays?
British Columbia employees who are given a day off on the applicable statutory holiday, or who agree with the employer to substitute another day for the statutory holiday, are entitled to statutory holiday pay for the day off.
British Columbia employers may require employees to work on a statutory holiday. If an employee works on the statutory holiday, then the employee is entitled to statutory holiday pay plus 1.5 times the employee’s regular wage for time worked up to 12 hours, and double the employee’s regular wage for any time worked over 12 hours. Alternatively, the employer and employee can agree to substitute another day off for the statutory holiday with statutory holiday pay.
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