What are the paid statutory holidays in Quebec, and what indemnity am I entitled to?

General information, not advice. According to the CNESST, workers have 8 paid statutory holidays in Quebec: January 1, Good Friday or Easter Monday (at the employer's option), the Monday before May 25, June 24, July 1 (or July 2 if it falls on a Sunday), the 1st Monday of September, the 2nd Monday of October and December 25. The day off is paid through an indemnity equal to 1/20 of the wages earned during the 4 complete pay weeks before the week of the holiday, not counting overtime. If you work on a statutory holiday, you receive your pay for the day worked and the employer chooses between an indemnity and a compensatory day off. Some situations (commission, National Holiday, extended absence, layoff) follow different rules.

Key facts

The 8 statutory holidays

January 1 (New Year's Day). Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer's option. The Monday before May 25 (National Patriots' Day). June 24 (Quebec National Holiday, special rules). July 1 (Canada Day) or July 2 if the 1st falls on a Sunday. 1st Monday of September (Labour Day). 2nd Monday of October (Thanksgiving). December 25 (Christmas Day).

Calculation of the indemnity

1/20 of the wages earned during the 4 complete pay weeks before the week of the holiday, not counting overtime. Same method for full-time and part-time workers.

Commission pay

1/60 of the wages earned during the 12 complete pay weeks before the week of the holiday.

Working on a statutory holiday

Pay for the day worked, plus (at the employer's choice) an indemnity or a paid day off on another date, taken within the 3 weeks before or after the holiday.

National Holiday (June 24)

The only condition to be entitled to this day off is to be employed on the date of the holiday. Special rules apply to the compensatory day off.

No right to the paid day off

Notably people on extended absence for illness, leave without pay, parental leave, paternity leave or maternity leave, and people on layoff.

Steps

1. Find the date of the holiday in the official list (see the information below).
2. Check whether you are entitled to the paid day off: anyone who works full time or part time is, regardless of employment status (temporary, casual or on call), even if they have worked only a few days since being hired.
3. Make sure you meet the condition: do not be absent from work without a valid reason beyond your control (for example illness) or without your employer's authorization on the working day before or after the holiday. The rule is different for the Quebec National Holiday.
4. Calculate the indemnity: 1/20 of the wages earned during the 4 complete pay weeks before the week of the holiday, not counting overtime. For commission pay, it is 1/60 of the wages earned during the 12 complete pay weeks before the week of the holiday.
5. If your employer asks you to work on a statutory holiday, it must, in addition to paying you for the day worked, choose between paying you a statutory holiday indemnity or giving you a paid day off on another date, within the 3 weeks before or after the holiday.
6. If the holiday falls on a day when you are normally off or during your annual vacation, the employer chooses between paying the indemnity on the pay of that week or giving a paid compensatory day off on a date agreed with you.
7. If your situation is particular (extended absence, layoff, collective agreement, decree), read the official CNESST page or contact the CNESST.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.