Unlocking the Gift of Holiday Pay

As the festive season approaches, many anticipate the joy of statutory holidays in Québec. Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) are statutory holidays across the province. However, keep an eye on Boxing Day (Dec. 26), a statutory holiday in Québec for federally regulated employees.

So, if you find yourself working during these merry times in Québec, or for a federally regulated employer, what entitlements can you expect? Let’s break it down for you:

Québec:

• No service requirement for holiday eligibility.

• Eligible employees receive holiday pay if the holiday aligns with their regular workday.

• Those not working on the holiday may choose between holiday pay or a substitute holiday with pay on an agreed date.

• If working on the holiday, employees receive their regular rate of pay for hours worked plus holiday pay, or regular pay for hours worked plus a substitute holiday with pay within three weeks before or after the holiday.

• Holiday pay equals 1/20 of the salary earned during the previous four full weeks of pay.

Federal:

• For most federally regulated employees, no work attendance or service requirements for holiday eligibility.

• Those working on the holiday receive holiday pay.

• If the holiday falls on a non-working day, employees are entitled to a substitute holiday with pay on the working day immediately before or after the holiday.

• If working on the holiday, employees are entitled to holiday pay plus time-and-a-half for hours worked, or regular wages for hours worked plus a substitute holiday with pay for “continuous operation” employees.

• Holiday pay is calculated by adding wages (excluding overtime) earned in the four weeks before the work week of the holiday and dividing by 20.

Stay informed, stay festive, and ensure your holiday season in Québec and under federal jurisdiction is legally sound! 🎄✨