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BC Public Holidays and Stat Holiday Pay: Dates, Rules, and Eligibility
Imagine checking your pay stub after a statutory holiday in British Columbia… and realizing you weren’t paid correctly. Every missed stat holiday could mean hundreds of dollars in lost wages over time.
Knowing your rights to BC stat holidays and holiday pay isn’t optional; it’s essential. Employees who understand the rules can claim what they’re owed, avoid disputes, and ensure fair treatment from their employer.
Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or casual, this guide explains:
- Which holidays count as stat holidays BC
- How holiday pay in BC is calculated
- Who qualifies for holiday pay
- How to take action if you’re underpaid
Read on to make sure you never leave stat holiday pay on the table.
British Columbia statutory (public) holidays — 2026 to 2028
| Year | Holiday | Date | Observed / substitute day (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Family Day | Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Good Friday | Fri, Apr 3, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Victoria Day | Mon, May 18, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Canada Day | Wed, Jul 1, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | B.C. Day | Mon, Aug 3, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Labour Day | Mon, Sep 7, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Wed, Sep 30, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Thanksgiving Day | Mon, Oct 12, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Remembrance Day | Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | — |
| 2026 | Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25, 2026 | — |
| 2027 | New Year’s Day | Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Family Day | Mon, Feb 15, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Good Friday | Fri, Mar 26, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Victoria Day | Mon, May 24, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Canada Day | Thu, Jul 1, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | B.C. Day | Mon, Aug 2, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Labour Day | Mon, Sep 6, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Thu, Sep 30, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Thanksgiving Day | Mon, Oct 11, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Remembrance Day | Thu, Nov 11, 2027 | — |
| 2027 | Christmas Day | Sat, Dec 25, 2027 | Mon, Dec 27, 2027 |
| 2028 | New Year’s Day | Sat, Jan 1, 2028 | Mon, Jan 3, 2028 |
| 2028 | Family Day | Mon, Feb 21, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | Good Friday | Fri, Apr 14, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | Victoria Day | Mon, May 22, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | Canada Day | Sat, Jul 1, 2028 | Mon, Jul 3, 2028 |
| 2028 | B.C. Day | Mon, Aug 7, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | Labour Day | Mon, Sep 4, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Sat, Sep 30, 2028 | Mon, Oct 2, 2028 |
| 2028 | Thanksgiving Day | Mon, Oct 9, 2028 | — |
| 2028 | Remembrance Day | Sat, Nov 11, 2028 | Mon, Nov 13, 2028 |
| 2028 | Christmas Day | Mon, Dec 25, 2028 | — |
Ensure You’re Paid for Every BC Stat Holiday
British Columbia recognizes 10 statutory holidays each year:
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1)
- Family Day (third Monday in February)
- Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
- Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25)
- Canada Day (July 1)
- BC Day (first Monday in August)
- Labour Day (first Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving Day (second Monday in October)
- Remembrance Day (Nov. 11)
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
Key Points:
- These holidays are legally recognized for holiday pay purposes.
- If a stat holiday falls on a non-working day, employees may be entitled to a substitute day off or pay.
- Keeping track of the official list ensures you never miss your stat holidays BC entitlements.
Pro Tip: Review your employment contract or company policies. Some employers may offer additional paid holidays, but only statutory holidays are legally guaranteed.
Avoid Pay Mistakes: How Holiday Pay Works in BC
Holiday pay in BC depends on your schedule and eligibility. Key rules include:
- Eligibility: Must have worked for your employer for at least 30 calendar days prior to the stat holiday.
- Calculation: Average daily wages over the 30 calendar days before the holiday.
- If you work on a stat holiday, you may receive:
- Your regular pay plus premium pay, or
- A substitute day off with pay
Why It Matters:
Incorrect holiday pay is a common wage dispute. Knowing your rights helps employees protect their income and avoid conflicts with employers.
Extra Tips:
- Track your hours leading up to the holiday to avoid losing pay.
- Request a written record of holiday pay if unclear to protect your rights.
- Keep pay stubs and schedules as proof in case of disputes.
As Christopher Achkar, employment lawyer and founder of Achkar Law, explains:
“Statutory holiday rights and obligations can be complex, and misunderstandings often lead to conflict, speaking to a lawyer ensures both employees and employers are protected and compliant.”
Don’t Miss Your Entitlements: Who Qualifies for Stat Holiday Pay in BC
Eligibility for stat holiday pay in BC requires:
- 30 days of employment with the employer before the holiday.
- Having worked scheduled days before and after the holiday, unless absence was authorized.
- Part-time and casual employees can qualify if these conditions are met.
Tips for Employees:
- Keep detailed records of schedules and pay to ensure you’re compensated correctly.
- If you’re classified as an independent contractor, you may not qualify.
- Always confirm eligibility with your employer or BC government resources.
- Link suggestion: Speak to a BC employment lawyer for guidance here.
Practical Insight: Employers sometimes misclassify casual workers or fail to include them in holiday pay. Understanding your eligibility ensures you claim all wages owed.
People Also Ask
There are 10 stat holidays recognized by the province each year.
Eligible employees receive average daily wages for the holiday; working on a stat holiday may earn extra pay or a substitute day.
Employees must have 30 days of employment and work scheduled days before and after the holiday.
Yes, Family Day is observed on the third Monday in February.
Yes, Remembrance Day (Nov 11) is a statutory holiday.
Part-time employees may receive holiday pay if they meet the 30-day employment and scheduling requirements.
No, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in BC.
Yes, Boxing Day (Dec 26) is a recognized stat holiday.
Yes, New Year’s Day (Jan 1) is a statutory holiday.
Yes, BC Day is observed on the first Monday in August.
Conclusion: Protect Your Pay and Avoid Legal Risk
Missing or incorrect holiday pay in BC can affect more than just your income. It can influence:
- Overtime calculations
- Payroll compliance and legal entitlements
- Eligibility for substitute days or premium pay
- Overall earned wages for the year
Employees should confirm they are paid correctly for BC stat holidays, and employers should proactively review payroll to ensure compliance with statutory holiday rules.
Contact an Employment Lawyer About Holiday Pay
If you are an employee concerned about unpaid holiday pay or an employer seeking guidance, consulting an experienced employment lawyer can help protect your rights, prevent mistakes, and ensure proper compensation.
Speak to a BC employment lawyer. Call Toll-Free: 1-800-771-7882
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Achkar Law Professional Corporation and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Achkar Law Professional Corporation. ©