What are stat holidays in Ontario?

Statutory Holidays in Ontario

Not all employees get Easter Monday off in Ontario. Below is a list of mandatory paid holidays observed in the province.

Remembrance Day in Ontario

Ontario is one of the few provinces where Remembrance Day is not a statutory holiday. Manitoba and Quebec also do not provide holiday pay or time off for this day. Remembrance Day falls on Tuesday, November 11, marking the armistice that ended the First World War.

A moment of silence at 11 a.m. is usually observed at schools and workplaces to honor the time when the armistice came into effect.

While official ceremonies commemorate Canadian Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty, Remembrance Day is considered an “optional” holiday in Ontario.

Optional but Commonly Observed Holidays

These days are commonly observed but not legally required, meaning businesses may choose whether to remain closed or provide holiday pay.

Holidays for Federally Regulated Institutions

Federal government institutions and Crown corporations like Canada Post and banks are closed on all statutory holidays, including optional ones.

Mandatory Paid Public Holidays

Paid public holidays, also called statutory or general holidays, require most businesses to close while paying eligible employees as if they worked a regular day.

2025 Mandatory Statutory Holidays in Ontario

On a statutory holiday, employers must legally:

Businesses are legislated to close but still must pay eligible employees as though it was a regular workday.

Author's summary: Ontario mandates several paid statutory holidays, but some significant days like Remembrance Day are optional, with provincial and federal workplaces observing different rules.

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Inside Halton Inside Halton — 2025-11-06

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