Stat Holiday Pay Calculator

In most provinces, public holiday pay = total wages earned in the 4 weeks before the stat ÷ 20. The 20 represents 20 working days in 4 weeks (5 days × 4 weeks), giving you roughly one average day of pay. For example, $4,000 earned over 4 weeks gives you $200 in stat pay. Quebec uses the same formula but counts only wages from the 4 weeks immediately before the holiday week.

Most employees qualify after 30 days with the same employer, provided they worked their last scheduled shift before and after the holiday. Part-time, casual, and temporary workers may qualify on a pro-rated basis. Nova Scotia requires one full year of employment before entitlement. Certain industries such as farming and construction have different rules in some provinces.

You receive public holiday pay (wages ÷ 20) plus premium pay at 1.5× your regular rate for hours worked. In Alberta, you get 1.5× for hours worked plus a substitute day off — or 2× your regular rate with no substitute. Your employer may also offer regular pay for the day plus a future substitute day off in lieu of premium pay, which is another common arrangement.

Federally regulated employees get 11 paid stat holidays. Provincially regulated employees get between 6 (Nova Scotia) and 10 (British Columbia). Each province sets its own list in addition to common national holidays like New Year's Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day.

No — this is a very common misconception. Vacation pay, lump-sum overtime payments, and termination pay are all excluded from the 4-week wage total. Include regular wages, commissions, and overtime hours actually worked. Many employees incorrectly add banked vacation pay into the total, which overstates their stat holiday entitlement.

No employer can withhold stat pay if you qualify under provincial employment standards law. However, if you were absent without permission on the scheduled day before or after the holiday, you may lose your entitlement in most provinces. If you believe you're being denied pay you've earned, contact your provincial employment standards office — these rules are enforced and employers who violate them face significant penalties.