British Columbia Statutory Holidays 2024
British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) outlines the statutory holidays in British Columbia for employees. They are:
- New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, 2024
- Family Day: Monday, February 19, 2024
- Good Friday: Friday, March 29, 2024
- Victoria Day: Monday, May 20, 2024
- Canada Day: Monday, July 1, 2024
- British Columbia Day: Monday, August 5, 2024
- Labour Day: Monday, September 2, 2024
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Monday, September 30, 2024
- Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 14, 2024
- Remembrance Day: Monday, November 11, 2024
- Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Note: that Easter Monday and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in British Columbia. As well, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was added as a statutory holiday in British Columbia, henceforth to be celebrated on September 30 every year.
Who qualifies for statutory holiday pay?
In British Columbia employees are eligible for general holidays off as well as holiday pay, if:
- They have been employed for 30 calendar days, and
- Have worked 15 of the 30 days prior to the statutory holiday
Note: there is no “first and last” rule in British Columbia. If an employee who does not qualify for statutory holiday pay works on a statutory holiday, they are paid regular wages.
Excluded Employees
Some employees are excluded from receiving statutory holiday pay. They include nursing students and volunteer fire fighters, farm workers, managers, fishers, high tech professionals, silviculture workers, people working commission sales, and car and truck sales people.
How is Statutory Pay Calculated in British Columbia?
Statutory pay equals an average day’s pay. British Columbia employees are entitled to statutory holiday pay if they work or take the day off.
Statutory holiday pay = Total wages ÷ number of days worked in the pay period leading up to the statutory holiday
Employers should base their calculations on the last 30 days worked prior to the statutory holiday – including vacation days.
Substituting another day for a statutory holiday
Employers and employees can agree in writing to substitute another day for a statutory day. The agreed upon substitute day is treated the same as a statutory holiday.
For those who work on Saturdays, employers can agree in writing to substitute another day off for the statutory holiday, but they are not required to do so.
How to manage stat holiday entitlements in British Columbia
As with anything related to how to manage payments, it is recommended that every employer develop a policy on statutory holiday pay, and communicate it clearly, to avoid incurring administrative penalties.
HR Proactive Inc. can assist you with creating a comprehensive statutory holiday policy to include in your employee handbook. We have been helping organizations understand provincial and federal employment guidelines for over 25 years.
