When are the British Columbia stat holidays in 2026?
Each year, employers covered by British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) must provide eligible employees with statutory holiday entitlements. People commonly refer to these public holidays as statutory, or “stat,” holidays. Some businesses close for the day, while others remain open, but employers must ensure they apply the correct statutory holiday rules for their employees. Although stat holidays are a recurring part of every calendar year, questions often arise regarding employer obligations. This guide covers British Columbia’s stat holidays for 2026, including the dates, who qualifies for statutory holiday pay, how pay is calculated, and what rules apply when employees work on a statutory holiday.
Key takeaways
- British Columbia has 11 statutory holidays in 2026.
- Most employees must meet minimum employment and work requirements to qualify for statutory holiday pay. Exclusions and special rules may apply.
- Eligible employees who do not work on a statutory holiday are paid an average day’s pay. Those who work on a statutory holiday receive an average day’s pay plus 1.5 times their regular wage for any hours worked up to 12 hours and double time after 12 hours.
- Employers and employees may agree in writing to substitute another day for a statutory holiday.
Stat holidays B.C. 2026 at a glance
British Columbia recognizes 11 statutory holidays in 2026 that employers should plan for. They are:
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Family Day | February 16 |
| Good Friday | April 3 |
| Victoria Day | May 18 |
| Canada Day | July 1 |
| British Columbia Day | August 3 |
| Labour Day | September 7 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Statutory holiday rules in British Columbia
Legislation in each jurisdiction establishes which days are statutory holidays. Some statutory holidays occur nationwide, while others are unique to a jurisdiction. When planning stat holidays schedules, remember that Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in B.C. See our article on shutting down for non-statutory holidays for help on planning a legally compliant closure.
For more information on statutory holiday requirements and entitlements in British Columbia, see Part 5 of the Employment Standards Act.
When do the legislated statutory holidays occur each year?
The recurring schedule below can help employers plan statutory holiday calendars beyond 2026.
| Holiday | Day |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Family Day | The third Monday in February |
| Good Friday | The Friday before Easter Sunday |
| Victoria Day | The Monday before May 25 |
| Canada Day | July 1, unless July 1 is a Sunday, in which case July 2 replaces July 1 |
| British Columbia Day | The first Monday in August |
| Labour Day | The first Monday in September |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 |
| Thanksgiving Day | The second Monday in October |
| Remembrance Day | November 11 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Frequently asked questions
How many BC stat holidays are there in 2026?
There are 11 BC stat holidays in 2026:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- British Columbia Day
- Labour Day
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
Who qualifies for BC stat holiday pay?
Most employees covered by B.C.’s ESA qualify for statutory holiday pay if they’ve been employed for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday and have worked or earned wages on at least 15 of the 30 days before the holiday. Employees who worked under an averaging agreement at any time during the 30-day period do not have to meet the 15-day requirement.
If an employee does not qualify for statutory holiday pay, they’re paid their regular wage for any hours worked on the holiday.
Special rules and exclusions can apply to certain employees and industries. Check the B.C. government’s guidance and the Employment Standards Regulation for the special rules and exemptions that may apply to your workplace.
How do you calculate statutory holiday pay in British Columbia?
Eligible employees who do not work on the statutory holiday must receive at least an average day’s pay. An average day’s pay is calculated by dividing the amount paid or payable to the employee in the 30 calendar days before the statutory holiday by the number of days the employee worked or earned wages during that period. The calculation includes vacation pay for vacation taken during that period but excludes overtime pay.
Eligible employees who work on a statutory holiday must receive an average day’s pay and also be paid 1.5 times their regular wage for time worked up to 12 hours. For any time worked over 12 hours, the employee must be paid double their regular wage. Refer to the government of British Columbia’s statutory holidays webpage for more information.
An employer and employee may agree in writing to substitute another day off for a statutory holiday. Where the substitution affects multiple employees, a majority of the affected employees must agree. The substitute day must be treated the same as the original statutory holiday.
Can employers require employees to work on a stat holiday in B.C.?
Yes, employers may require employees to work on a statutory holiday. However, you must provide holiday pay and other entitlements where required under the ESA. Special rules or exclusions may apply to some employees.
Managing stat holiday entitlements
Employers, managers, and supervisors should understand which employees qualify, how an average day’s pay is calculated, and what rules apply when employees work on or substitute a statutory holiday. Clear policies and payroll records can help managers apply B.C. stat holiday rules consistently. Citation Canada can create a holiday policy tailored to your workplace, or provide you with our professionally written template.
Meeting minimum statutory holiday entitlements is part of complying with British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act.
Check out our other stat holiday guides
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