Ontario Statutory Holidays for 2023

Ontario’s Statutory Holidays for 2023

As a newcomer to Ontario, it is important to mark statutoryholidays in your calendar – so grab your pen! You and your family or friends can plan days off, get a break from work,and have some down time or possibly plan a long weekend getaway.  

Below is a list of the Ontario statutory holidays for 2023:

New Years Day - January 1, 2023

Family Day - February 20, 2023

Good Friday - Friday April 7, 2023

Canada Day - Monday July 3, 2023 (in lieu of July 1)

Civic Holiday - Monday August 7, 2023

Labour Day - Monday September 4, 2023

Thanksgiving - Monday October 9, 2023

Christmas Day - December 25, 2023

Boxing Day - December 26, 2023

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What is a StatutoryHoliday anyway?

Statutory holidays are public holidays mandated through legislation from federal, territorial, or provincial governments. On these specific days throughout the year, many employees are legally entitled to a paid day off or increased compensation in exchange for working. The Federal Government of Canada mandates six statutory holidays, meaning that they apply across the country. Every province and territory are also responsible for creating additional statutory holidays as they deem appropriate. For 2023 the province of Ontario has nine statutory holidays and one additional civic holiday.

Other Holidays

There are additional days during the year which some employers decide to treat as days off from work. These are not official 2023 statutory holidays, and employers are under no legal obligation to pay their employees if they have the day off.   April 10 –Monday: Easter Monday.  Some employers give their employees Easter Monday off from work in addition to the Good Friday statutory holiday, allowing for an extra long weekend in early spring. 

September 30 – Saturday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  First legislated in 2021 by the federal government, this day is meant to recognize the tragic legacy of Canada’s residential school system, and how it continues to harm and affect Indigenous communities today.  While a Federal statutory holiday, it is not currently an official holiday in Ontario although some employers choose to observe it. 

Now that you have a list of Ontario statutory and civic holidays for 2023 it’s time to get planning your next long weekend!

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