Civic Holiday - Viewing All Comments

What will you do on the civic holiday long weekend? What did you do last year? Do you have any good tips for others?

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One employer I had, had Civic Holiday off, but did not pay vacation pay because it's not technically a stat holiday. Another employer I had the day off and paid vacation like any other stat holiday.

Civic Holiday Weekend in London, Ontario. It does not have a specific name. I will go out with friends to hear a band, and otherwise relax. I probably did the same thing last year, maybe Ribfest in Victoria Park downtown.

It is not called regatta day in NL. That is St. John’s. The rest of NL uses it as a civic holiday and call it different things. Here in our community it’s Stephenville Day.

For those wondering why QC does not honor this holiday. Quebec get the June 24 holiday instead of this holiday. Also heard rumors that when a province goes into a full holiday for everyone the losses economically are like billions of dollars... :/ so this is why the September 30th new federal holiday is taking a tad of time to be installed into all the provinces and for everyone etc....

I experienced traffic on a long weekend only once. That was enough to keep me away from the highways on the Friday or the Monday. While in college and University long weekends were the perfect time to make extra funds doubling down on your shifts at two different workplaces. One of my workplaces was Provincial Unionized. Although at the time I didn't really know anything about unions and didn't really care but it was a huge benefit for the amount of pay you would get for working long weekends and extra shifts! I've always chosen to work long weekends got two different jobs to pay for school. When older, I would stay away from the highways and travel on Thursdays back home on Sundays. As a rural person, I see too many drivers taking chances with their lives. Or night drivers when they are well aware it's the only opportunity for wildlife to be on the move. I won't contribute to that, to unnecessary deaths, or be killed by people who do not care about anybody but themselves.

Workers of the world unite!

in Ottawa it's a working day for me

@ Hillary The civic holiday is not a federally mandated statutory holiday although it's a day off for many employees across the country.

of course QC will opt out. Just...of course.

I will be working this civic holiday.. for the first time in 25 years

We do not get the Civic Holiday and it should be mandated that everyone gets it off.

It should be a day off for all. Not just government employees.

RV Canada Service Center does not get the day off.

Let's "officialize" this holiday by making it the Elizabeth II holiday. By making it official, workers cannot be denied the day off any longer.

Are any of the people posting comments regarding regatta day in Newfoundland, actually from Newfoundland? Because I am,born and raised and just an FYI, regatta day isn't a holiday at all. It's part of our history and it also has alot of meaning to the people. So in saying that, it is 100% up to your boss if he/she decides to give it to you with pay of course, but in saying that, it's only for businesses located within the city area/limits(St.John's) not the rural areas outside of city limits!

Suggest that you can just go to other province and do fishing, mountain biking or long distance bike tours.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is NOT Regatta Day. Many municipalities have their own celebrations eg. Gander Day as part of their Festival of Flight celebrations. Regatta Day {St. John's} in fact is held on the first Wednesday of the month weather permitting. If unable to row the boats due to high winds etc. that day, it is held asap typically the following day. It is affectionally known as Regatta Roulette as to weather people will have the day off or not!

My opinion. If holiday everybody should get day off,not just certain companies and government employees. Its like duble standard.

The Festival of Friends every year at Gage Park in Hamilton ON.

As an "Over The Road" truck driver, I never get a long weekend, except some times at Christmas & New Year. Since my deliveries are in the States, we always have to leave on Monday for our delivery on Tuesday

I have to work on the civic holiday. I think it should be a statutory holiday because of all the work that we do year after year.

Here here to the constant complaining! the world does not turn so you can take your next step. If you want additional work, go get it. Stop making your issues the 'world's issues". I am sorry but I get tried of "it's all about me". As a former employer, the number of paid holidays was ridiculous so I simply changed how I do business. In the long run, all this I am entitled too thinking costs the complainers. Be self reliant.

It's not called anything in effing QC because they don't respect it. As usual Québec cancels all federal holidays. For instance, July 1rst is moving day so this way ppl are busy changing houses and don't have time to think about Canada Day.

Most places in Nova Scotia outside of HRM do not get the August long weekend.

I hate civic day. I want to work and get money. My company just closed and no paid. It makes living cost more shortage. I need to work 7 days per week, because wage is low and living cost is very high. What civic day?

I do not get Civic Holiday off.

I have to work, but am taking the day off and using a holiday.

Please correct the error, in calling the August holiday in Newfoundland, Regatta Day. Regatta Day is actually observed in St. John's on the first Wednesday in August. Other municipalities in the province take a holiday on the first Monday in August but they have different names for the day depending on the municipality.

Perhaps the people that are complaining could go get new jobs? Nobody makes you work for a federal employer. I did for 35 years and never complained about not getting all of the same holidays. I knew the arrangement when I said yes to the job. And whining on this site isn't going to change anything... nobody cares!

I work as a custodian for a mining company and I got the day off but did not get paid for it. Since I can't afford to even take a sick day no matter how bad I feel this hurts me badly. I have to make up for this loss and its coming out of my grocery money. That leaves me $25 a week to feed myself or $3,57 a day.

This is BS I work for the federal government as a contractor and I don't get paid for Aug 1st or have the option to come to work.

Here in Quebec its called... Monday.

Thanks Andie, but I'll be celebrating literally anything else at all during my day off.

I'm a senior in Alberta; everyday is a day off now, so those of you still working enjoy it while you can. Also, learn to work 'smart' not hard, your body will thank you for it.

No, my employer is federally regulated in aviation maybe these regs. could be updated in the pursuit of worker equality. Everyone in the country must be treated equally, no such thing as special in a fair democracy.

If August 1 it is not a statutory holiday, then why is it that only the government workers get it off. They should also have to work on this day. They get so many days off with pay so unfair to the rest of us. Another BS holiday Here is an INTERESTING READ that I found: The origin of Civic Day goes back to the late 1800s when the government decided citizens needed another “day of relaxation” during the summer. Civic Day is a statutory holiday in B.C., New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and The Northwest Territories, but not in the Yukon or other provinces, including Ontario. But Ontario has no plans to turn the Civic into a stat.

Yes I work for Speedy Auto Service and I get August 1st off.

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

I work for a college in Ontario and we get this as a stat holiday.

I have always been given the Civic holiday off as an employee of a pet grooming salon. My boss of 5 years gave me the day off without pay. I have been an employer for 30 years and have not only given my staff the day off I paid them for it! I think Nov 11 should be a stat holiday in Ontario!!

There are a lot of angry people out there. I hope you all find some happiness. Its not a big deal. Holiday or not. Government or "rich" people holiday.Forge your own future. Do something other than complain and you'll be in a better situation. Peace, love and happiness.

Not a statutory holiday which means it is not a holiday. Only a holiday for government workers and those rich enough to take it off. pathetic Canada.

I work for an airline and my airline recognizes it as a Stat day. :)

Emancipation Day in PEI (starting in 2021)

I worked last year and will again this year. Would love to see it stated in as a statutory holiday. One statutory holiday a month would be awesome.

In Newfoundland, Regatta Day is the first Wednesday in August, but if weather and wind conditions are not suitable, the event is postponed until the next suitable day. Since Regatta Day is a civic holiday in St. John's (replacing the Civic Holiday observed in most other Canadian provinces on the first Monday in August), this means that the weather actually determines whether or not workers have the day off – a matter sometimes complicated by late-night partying associated with the end of the George Street Festival the night before. This has led to the coining of the term "Regatta Roulette" where people head to George Street Festival or party elsewhere the night before and hope the weather is nice enough for the Regatta (and the holiday) the next day.

Another BS holiday, just like Victoria Day and Canada Day(why celebrate a country I don't even recognize anymore? Remembrance Day SHOULD be mandated a statutory holiday instead. "Family Day" in February is another one that's useless to me. At least IMO.

This isn’t a real holiday. It’s only a holiday for the rich, the government and organizations. There’s no pay so the majority of people can’t even afford to take the day off. Dumbest holiday of the year. Civic holiday.... no.... privileged holiday is more like it.

I just have a curiosity about the recently established new holiday which is called Emancipation Day on the first of August of the year.Now is this be a Federal Holiday or not and how it will be considering that the first monday of August is a Civic holiday of sorts in ON

Aqua days in Cold Lake AB

No I do not get it off. There should be a STAT in every month. It is not fair to minnimum wage earners to not get the day off or at least have the chance to get more money!!

Benjamin Vaughan day? I wonder how many workers at our corporate headquarters know that. Maybe a poll tomorrow of the ones I know. Factory worker in Jonesville Michigan USA

Yeah, Traffic seemed pretty dead on the way to work.. and when I got to my parking spot I remembered it's a day off. At least I didn't sleep in i guess.

I work retail, so we have shorter hours than usual but we're still open. I'm working but I don't I get extra pay or anything.

It is not called Natal Day in Nova Scotia, it is called Natal Day in Halifax only as the rest of Nova Scotia does not get a Holiday.

I work at fedex. Yes it's a holiday on Monday for us. (Thank God for long weekends).

What does civic holiday mean in Windsor Ontario Canada?

I work with a prefab home manufacturer, and we don't get the day off unfortunately. What sucks is I drive from Mississauga to Niagara daily to get to the office.

I work shift, so this year I am working it. But because it's a civic holiday I don't even get time and a half. meanwhile the majority of my coworkers get double time and a half for it.

Civic Holiday is a joke. It should be called "Wealth Holiday" because people who aren't wealthy don't get a holiday. There's nothing Civic about it. Until Canadians get their heads out of their collective posteriors and elect the NDP, this kind of garbage will continue on forever.

Correction to the correction: it used to be called Simcoe Day throughout Ontario, and should be noted it is still called Simcoe Day by some outside the Toronto area. Thanks.

Yes I do (forcibly). My boss enjoys his off time to go to his country estate. I won't be working that day and I will lose a day's pay. Quite unfair for us have-nots.

I'm a middle class hard worker who doesn't get the day off, I don't understand how the government can decide to give them self a payed day off with tax money when every one else has to work. But hey what do I know

My family and I are celebrating the very short life of our 22 year old son. He is sorely missed and we can only hope that he is happy where ever his son took him. We miss you Zan!!!!

when you apply for a job in retail you should expect to work on boxing day. that's the reality, Employers don't force you to apply, its your choice so why complain

It would be a good idea to list areas in Canada that have the first Monday off in August and the ones that have a different day/month. Quebec - St Jean Baptist day Jun 24 Yukon - 3rd Monday in the month (closest to 17th) Prince Edward Island - ? Labrador/NFL - ? A day of with pay for everyone would be great, it is not fair when places close but do not pay employee or give the option to work for $ - this can make a significant difference to some people.

Working, I think everyone should receive a day off with pay. There are only so many long weekend each summer, this one should not be optional.

I am in retail and surprised that we are open on Natal Day. No extra pay as it is not a Stat., but less hours that stores are open.

Unfortunately, we do NOT have any civic holiday in August in the province of Quebec...

I am in retail I do not get paid for the day, I do not get the day off

1) some people dont have a holiday and want it to be a holiday for EVERYONE 2) some people do have a day off without pay and they demand pay too 3) some have just a regular day and they demand a paid holiday to Everyone demand this to be fair! How about regular day for everyone? That seems fair.... No?.... Why? :)

No I don't get civic holiday off.

This is treated like a Stat in B.C.

I don't have that day off I worked would be nice if we all get it like Government employees.

I do work for Walmart and you must work statuary holidays with Christmas being the exception. You do receive extra pay on the holiday you work (time and a half)

Walmart is not appealing these days. Less cashiers with th self checkout lines. I refuse to use them anywhere otherwise I'll walk out leaving my potential purchases on the counter. I hope othere do the same. They don't seem to be a fair employer.

Where I am from its is called Bogan Day

In Couborg Ont the Monday of the August Long Weekend is called James Cockburn Day. He was a Father of Confederation and the first Speaker of the House (Federal Government.)

The first Monday in August is NOT regatta day in Newfoundland. The royal St. John's Regatta is just a boat race that happens around this time of year, usually on the Wednesday after this holiday. It doesn't have a name here.

My dad works for Walmart and they don’t get anything. No day off, extra pay or a different day if the have to work today.

I don't have today off I work today 7am 3pm

It's not a holiday if I am not getting paid. Civic nothing, today is a regular Monday.

No.....and we are paid for only hrs worked....if boss decides to change hours employees are not notified

I live in NS and work the holiday but get paid double time to do so

I'm in Edmonton Alberta and I was told I need to work this Monday August 5th. My calendar says it's a civic holiday. Is Monday an optional holiday? I work for a web design firm.

Tim Sommers it’s called Heritage Day in AB I don’t get paid for it but I took it off since my wife gets it off with pay. It should be made into a paid stat for all its very unfair and it’s the best time of the year for a long weekend I’d trade family day for it. But I do enjoy snowboarding that long weekend.

I'm working on Civic holiday I working in a grocery store I've been in retailing bakery clerk 16 years Do I get status pay

I think everyone should have the day off for Civic holiday, it’s the long weekend, why not??

Used to have civic holiday. Ontario liberals promised holiday between new years and Easter to get votes. Did not tell voters oh ya, you lose summer holiday. oops.

Im from oshawa and im declaring it be called.. Motor City Memorial Champions Day (M.C.M.C) or (M.C.M.D)

When I was working in banking, I didn't get the day off. In one of my jobs, in fact, we worked 1 July, but got the 4th off. I enjoyed the difference. It gave me the time to book medical appointments, etc, without missing work. For the record, although the US does not have a similar holiday to this one (no matter what it's called - I live in Toronto, and Gov and Lady Simcoe chose the site for the original settlement. That's why I grew up thinking of this coming Monday (3 Aug) as Simcoe Day.

No, I work in Mississauga, and we don't get that day off.

Apparently not in Alberta. We only get stat holidays as we work for an American corporation

I live in NB and my employer is in ON - I get paid for the Civic Holiday long weekend.

Regatta Day in Newfoundland is the first Wednesday in August. It is not the same as the Civic Holiday.

I live in Alberta and our company does not close for this 'holiday'. We do not get an extra day off with pay, although it seems a lot of companies do give this as an extra paid vacation day to their staff. This year it was optional to work or not, but if you take the day off it is without pay, or if you have any vacation pay owed you can use that.

Visit my senior friends & go to the gym.

Still have to work this holiday and employer is cheap and wont pay. This is Canada!! fix this and stop allowing corp companies to take advantage of their employee's.

Civic Holiday should be a holiday for EVERYONE. It's not fair that some get the day and others have to work. In fact it is the same with Easter Monday and November 11th - is it really fair when these days are mostly observed by employees funded from the taxpayers purse. And the people paying have to go to work?? Easter Monday & November 11th should be holidays for EVERYONE as well. Our society works hard and is filled with stress. A couple extra days off will be better for everyone's sanity and health.

I have this holiday off of work and didn't even know until now that not everyone did.

Civic Holiday in Mississauga should be called Hazel McCallion Day.

I work in Ontario but do not get this off.

I still have to work and no holiday pay ... not fair it should be consistent!!

In Manitoba it's been Terry Fox Day since 2015.

I have to work on this day and it is not considered a holiday and I live in Manitoba. Boo!!!

What is August civic holiday called in Alberta

Civic Holiday Should Always Be a Holiday For All In Ontario

We don't get the day off . Everybody in the office have to work. No holiday pay either.

Manitoba it's known as the Civic Holiday or August long

St. John's Newfoundland gets Regatta day for the August holiday which is always the first Wednesday in August

No we don't but most of the employers in this profession do give this to their employees

In Newfoundland, the civic holiday is only called Regetta day in St. John’s, where the long running sporting event has meaning. Other parts of the province do not refer to the civic day as Regetta day. Therefore I don’t think you statement is correct for all Newfoundlanders.

We did get the day off but when Heritage Day was made statutory our employer took away the civic holiday.

This is a state holiday in Manitoba

Boxing Day should be a stutory holiday for everyone... the elected officials that our wages go towards paying make sure it’s a stat for themselves ... I don’t see why such discriminatory behaviour is still allowed and tolerated ... i am fortunate and receive this stat,but my wife does not so how is that bringing families together over the holidays ... this needs to be changed by the people we vote into office with the power to change ( and do not ).... shame on them for enjoying There families while we cannot

Why are you talking about August? The question is what do you do on Boxing Day & here in BC people are still confused as to is it a stat or not., well it's not unless you are union, bank, or government., So to work we minions go.

I had no choice but to take it off. I missed a days pay. Working at minimum wage I cannot afford this. This should be statutory for every one.

Yeah well I got it off but it is not a paid stat according to websites. So I get shorted a day's pay that last year my employer paid for. Next year I'll work it or something.

The people that receive pay for this holiday are those that need it the least. Please make it equal for all... summer long weekends is the best time to enjoy the summer and family and friends.

It should be a statutory holiday for everybody. Not discretionary at the whim of an employer.

all employees at our company in NB get the holiday off

I will be off because when I was young instead of whining and complaining about life not being fair and the rich get all the breaks I worked hard and smart to put myself in the position I am today. So if you're whining stop and do something about your situation!

All of those people who are complaining this holiday is for the rich. I'm not rich, I have today off. I'm very lucky that where I live and work we get every holiday off and paid for. So even holidays that are not stat holidays we still get them off because out employer believes in everyone needing a break before we all get burnt out.

Well, this is the first year I had it off in Ontario, probably due to changes in the labour laws in this province. I went in anyway because I thought my co-workers were joking; just to confirm I actually had it off. I would rather see Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday and give up both Family Day and Civic holiday. Additionally, some use to refer to this holiday as British Emancipation Day in the past, however I believe that actually occurs at the start of August.

Ya, I have go work and don't get time and a half. Real nice "holiday". I- like other people have commented- do not appreciate all this talk about a "holiday" when it isn't one for the average Canadian. The people who are working harder than the ones who actually get these types of holidays off

It’s not called Natal Day in PEI. Actually PEI celebrates the next week during “old home week”, it’s called Gold Cup and Saucer day after the trophy for the annual harness race. With that said, of course those feds still get the first Monday in August off, but there’s no name for it other than August long weekend. Everyone else parties the next weekend.

While I agree that this is a bogus holiday. My comment is for Sue R. who claims this holiday is for some people INCLUDING those in UNIONS. Sue, I was a Union worker for over 30+ years and never had this day off as a regular holiday. Your statement including Union people as part of the group who benefit from this holiday is as bogus as the holiday!!! Just Sayin!!!

It’s a govt holiday they makeup these days the govt and everyone else has Togo to work. Think about it people of this country your the tax payer that pays these people to take time off with all the other rip offs we support as tax payers it should stop. No wonder we’re paying high taxes out of our ying yang. What a joke and yes I’m upset!! They won’t post this because it’s all about politics and they’re afraid and know we’re right.

I read comments . We can complain till we're blue. What can be done to change it. We know how this planet works. But to be fair to many companies, I had my own business and the employees go home at closing time. Owners work 16 or more hrs. A day to make sure you can work the next day.there is a solution but no one would be happy.

I've never heard it being called Simcoe Day, and I'm from the GTA

Non government job here, and we get it. I'm far from rich. So I'm going to enjoy getting a day of simply because my company decides to give it.

Totally agree. This is not a holiday weekend. But it is an opportunity for people who have a long weekend ie. Public workers banks and so on to come and visit me while I'm working the day in retail. Do what the Americans do. Holiday for all. Call it 'last chance to enjoy summer weekend".

I'll be working unlike most of the non-government, banking or upper management employees. The Civic holiday isn't a holiday for the common people. It's a holiday for the rich.

I work at Home Depot in the Toronto area and this is not a holiday. We all have to work, and no time and a half.

Government should not get paid for B.C.civic day if the rest of us hard working Canadians don't get paid for it.

Our company told us this week that we have to open on the Monday after all staff made plans. Now some staff are losing deposits for cottages that they booked as they can no longer go away. Yet the staff at our head office get the day off. Nice double standard they have.

Either it's a holiday for all or for none. I'm tired of these "tiered" holidays that only government, unions, or CEO's get. Recently they asked people if they would work a ten hour day if they could have a 3 day weekend. That's nice if you actually get weekends off. Even front line bank workers are working Sundays now. This type of holiday only benefits people at the top, or people who are in a union.

August long weekend is a BS holiday, because it isn't one. It is not a statutory holiday meaning that unless it is negotiated (i.e. Gvt, union, large company) your employer has no obligation to pay you for the "holiday" and not pay time and a half if you do work..

How fortunate for those that are employed. It sickened me a little to read how many complain and whine because they don't get a day off or are not paid (for not working)!

August Civic Holiday in London, ON should be named "Virtue-Moir Day".

My employer does not give any civic holiday off. Or 10 sick days,with 2 paid sick days as per legislation as at Jan 2018.

We get the day off unpaid. When the Gov't forced the Family Day stat on my employer; they took away the Civic holiday pay. he does not like to be told what to do

why some pages said that day is statutory and some said it doesn't why should be the norm if company close, at will that day. should we get paid or not Please let me know thanks

Our boss let us have the day off and closed the business but did not pay us because it is not a stat holiday. Should he pay us if he closed the business that day?

Yes thankfully and paid for by my employer. I really believe it should be turned into a Statutory Holiday to avoid the confusion as so many employers now do pay for it and so many business are shut down. Government offices and most Beer Stores, LCBO etc are closed. Being in the accounting side of business it would make things so much clearer for employers/companies and not cause so much conflict on the employee side of this issue.

I need to work or pay by myself. I feel it is unfair that some get August 7 off but many of us don't. If not a Stat. why public transit using holiday status?? I think it's time to make it stat.

No I don't get it off:( I work in retail and we work every day of the year almost.

I didn't get the day off. I work at a seniors facility, so we're open 24/7

My company told the employees they had to work the Thursday before the civic holiday. Is that legal?

I will be working as we don't get the day off.

I am also working today, I think I'm the only office in my entire building that is expected to work today. If we do not get the day off, I feel we should be paid time and a half at least. We could be spending time with our families like everyone else, but we are working.

I have not have this day off "civic holiday" in over 20 years! Make it a stat!!

Hello Here in Alberta the company I work for used to give us both February's family day and August heritage day but now we do not get the August holiday anymore the second year now. I do phone support.....its quiet..I am not happy..cheapskates.

Itis very unfair that employees of banks, government, and many corporations get this paid holiday off while the rest have to work. It should be either an official holiday for all or none at all.

I won't be getting stat pay for the August Civic holiday, although I do have to work. And since I work in a public place of customer service, I will have to work extra hard, with no extra pay. Unfortunate.

Did not receive the day off. Why is this not considered a actual stat holiday?

Called John Galt Day in Guelph

Working on that day. The problem is the gap between Canada Day and the next statutory holiday after is too big. Fatigue plays a huge part in any workplace and in my workplace it can be downright dangerous. Make it a statutory holiday, please!

Nobody i know or met on the street can tell me why its a long weekend. Everybody I talked to is getting drunk. Except me.

Clearly none of you own your own business. Before we all agree it should be a holiday, let's consider competitiveness, when you mandate holidays businesses may decide not to set up in that jurisdiction, meaning fewer jobs. Also consider this from the point of view of a small business owner, this cost of labour is the largest input cost of a business, how long can a business sustain itself without output but still cover the cost. What ever happened to "a fair days pay for a fair days labour?"

I would be absolutely thrilled to have a job to go to on August 7 (or any other day). I'm not sure if any of the people complaining about having to work on a Holiday realize how fortunate you are to have a job to go to and the stability in your life that it must bring.

Its funny how government workers get this day off... and they made the policy to enforce it for themselves only. What about the rest of us they they supposedly serve? Canada should have more holidays in general.

Sorry. It's NOT called Regatta Day in Newfoundland Regatta Day is the day of the races in St. John's. Some businesses in and around St. John's observe this holiday but not all It is held the 1st WEDNESDAY of August weather permitting.

All employees should be paid for civic and statutory holidays in Canada. Its only fair.

I get this holiday as a paid holiday. I think everybody should! Let's make today a statutory holiday. Canadians have earned it - especially those in retail & service industries working for minimum wage.

What does Civic stand for? American who works AB, BC, ON, SK, MB, YT, VT

I am working a double shift

Time for Government to pass legislation enforcing ALL holidays be recognized and respected by corporations and businesses! Modern day slavery needs to end!!!

I believe it should be a statutory holiday, I work all holidays working in home health care.

No I don't. I feel it is unfair that some get August 7 off but many of us don't. I think it's time to make it stat.

Tim Hortons never closes; therefore I will be working.

Our company recognizes it as a civic paid holiday for our BC and ON offices, but not for our AB office.

McLauglin day in Oshawa On

I think I will take a day-long TechNOliday away from all devices and distractions.

We did not get civic holiday as off at Broadconnect Telecom, Vaughan, ON

On Beyond Colonization Day, I will celebrate Sir James Douglas, the first out "octaroon" head of government or state in the British Empire. Douglas is recognized today as an anti-social autocrat who refused to recognize indigenous title. He's also known as the only head of government who literally and publically invited African-Americans to flee slavery and settle in their jurisdiction. I particularly like to recount the militia Douglas formed with some of the US newcomers. He must have wanted the first thing the thousands of white California goldminers to see was an armed black militia.

My employer chooses to be closed all Mondays to which all holidays are usually on. I guess it's her way of getting out of paying stats. Lol

The Civic holiday is not a paid holiday, it is recognized as a public holiday but is not statutory. It is up to the employer if the business is closed, but it is not paid anyway.

Not a stat, so no, technically they do not need to pay time and a half if you work on this day. I've never had the day off and have never gotten time and a half for working it. And really it's not a huge deal, there are enough stat holidays throughout the year, not having one in August isn't going to kill you.

Whine whine whine to those complaining about having to work. You get paid. Maybe even time and a half depending on the provincial Labour laws. A lot of people get the day off with no pay and the next day, and the next, and so on. So if you have a job, you may be a lucky one. For Alberta: Optional general holidays If an employer, by agreement, designates additional general holidays for their employees, all employment standards rules related to general holiday pay still apply. Employees should confirm this and any pay entitlements with their employer. What does the nation's capitol have to do with anything? Or being fair? If you want fair, start your own company and take the day off. Don' forget to pay your employees for the day off as well.

The Liberals should make it a national holiday, and stop the confusion, a good employer will give you the day off, here in Canada our summers are short and we do not get to many holidays compared to other countries, an extra day off to relax or spend time with family and friends doesn't hurt especially in the summer.

First time in my 30 odd year career that I do not get the Civic Holiday in Ontario off as a paid holiday. Just more evidence of our eroding base of good, permanent employment.

I live in Edmonton, Alberta and as far as I know the first Monday in August is a government stat holiday (regular pay, paid day off if you're a government employee) with it being optional for other employers to give employees day off (non-paid day off). We call this day Heritage Days. Don't quote me on this, its just what I recall.

Well for the first time in my 34 years of working I do not get the Civic Holiday off as my employer does not recognize this as a holiday.

Because I work in retail, they don't observe Civic Holiday as a holiday. We do not get the day off. It doesn't seem fair, I think it should be a stat for all provinces and employees

I worked. It's a stat in alot of provinces. Why not Ontario? The nations capital is there.

Added Terry Fox day for Manitoba! Thanks for the correction.

I am excited about finally going to Casa Loma with my family.

Where is Manitoba on your list??? Its called Terry Fox day!

We call it Regatta Day around the Wabamun Lake area in Alberta as well. Likely due to the Seba Beach Regatta which has been on this weekend for 50 or more years now

In response to Joan Allen report employees should appreciate their employers as well. Someone has put their neck out to run a business to give you a job, They have all the risk and stress and chances are very good they are making less that the employees.

It asked what will you be doing on the long weekend,what did you do last year? Ideas and yes...comments I'm sure there are places and or people you can complain about the pay your employees issues. Can this not be a good time page? I'm hoping to go camping with friends and finally catch a fish. Oh yeah, and good food too. Fingers crossed it works out this year. Don't forget the bug spray 😐

RE: Joan Ellen All employers know the cost of employees before they hire them. A sound business plan should account for these expenses so instead of complaining about employee related expenses this would be a non-issue. Part of having employees it the need to pay them. You would like to get paid for holidays and CPP, EI, etc. if you were an employee. I'm not saying it's easy for small businesses to support themselves but employees should most certainly not feel they are a burden due to related costs. That kind of relationship is not good for anyone. Make your employees feel appreciated and treat them with respect and they will work twice as hard for you.

Why do people who make these comments realize two things: 1 - try owning a business and then make the comment about getting paid - you will see that each employee costs at least 10% more than their pay which does not include ANY benefits other than the company portion of CPP, EI, Vacation Pay and Statutory Holiday Pay 2 - we seem to separate the "government" from ourselves - WE are paying these private sector employees NOT to work which comes out of OUR pocket!!

Work for yourself then you can decide which holidays you have and how many

I spend the time with my family and have to be back early so I don't lose the income. The civic "holiday" (and I use the term loosely)should not be listed as a stat holiday if it not actually one. Also why are we not honouring our military on Remembrance day, it should be considered a stat holiday so those of us can be a part of their ceremonies with out losing income if we take the time off.

Unions get paid. Join a union shop or unionize your shop..

then do not declare Aug 1 as a holiday, since there is no pay involved.

What if you are willing and able to work but the company is closed for the day. Should they have to pay me? I never got paid and I never had a choice

Respectfully to the person posting life does not owe you a living, North Americans have been programmed to live to work, not work to live. It's time the workers of this country threw off the shackles of capitalism and started demanding reasonable working conditions and holidays, and invested that extra time back into the family & community

No matter where or what are we working, if it's a regular full time job we all, should have all the holidays - civic or stat. What are we 'second hand people , if we are not working for government or government related companies..?? I'm working for a health care company - office stuff has all the holidays and We- field stuff, just stat,this is completely unfair and demeaning .

Exactly Curtis....it's on the listing as a Statutory Holiday, however, it is not. It shouldn't be portrayed as one!

And the essential government workers are paid by taxpayers, and receive pensions, and overtime, and benefits, all paid for on the backs of those working hourly on this "non" holiday or stat ones.....government employees are the first to complain about something they don't get....ironic.

My boss makes us work on Civic Holiday. We are a software company with no commitments to the public. And he wonders why the turnover rate's high and employees don't like working here. Showing generosity to your staff goes a long way.

In Windsor ON it's a Civic Holiday :)

Did anyone actually read the notice on the August long weekend? It is NOT a statutory holiday. If you want to take the day off, then follow your employers guidelines on taking a day off. Life does not owe you a living.

I went to my relatives' home @ Trenton,ON with my brother's family on Jul 30,2016. We went to sandbanks beach,ON. We played tennis.

That's a bit strange, but then it's Canada!

Well..Since Im an Old recovering work-A-Holic... I'm going to sleep-in until it feels like it's becoming a chore to keep my eyes closed..last year I worked extra days.. As every one else went to holiday, rest & rejuvenate.!? Apparently I was a slow learner.. So ..Take a moderate amount of time to enjoy the civic times.. & try not to become a fanatical aesthete...

Canadians use every excuse to make a "Holiday" out of nothing meaningful. C'mon

I am with Anna, Who else is with me we should all have more time off in the summer to be with our loved one.

Please stop calling it a holiday because it is a regular day. Provinces should declare this day a mandatory holiday. Calling all public servants (or as we call them now, politicians)!!!

Why should government employees get August 1st. long weekend off with pay and rest of us have to work? This Holiday is not fair for everyone.

why is everyone so upset about holidays, if you dont get paid on them, oh well? find a better job, quit getting loans for things you cannot afford, and if youre going to have children atleast think of getting enough money to do so, this isnt 10,000 b.c

This should be a stat holiday, hourly workers that have to work that day do not get the overtime rate.. working in a call centre environment it is a regular work day stat day or not but atleast if working on a stat holiday there is a bonus on the next pay day!!!!

I agree, we have very few holidays in the country. We live in a such fast paced country and we should get more Sat holidays. Especially the August lone weekend. Summer is short, allow people to enjoy it with family and friends.

I am a retired OW employee and I am so grateful for the wonderful years working for a great department with dedicated workers and would love for people to know how hard these folks worked to help their clients.

Lol, venting on a statutory holidays reference website

It's not an actual holiday, don't portray it as one

Government workers providing essential services work on every stat holiday.

Government workers don't get too much time off, the rest of us get too little. North America is the most over-worked developed country. This should be a mandatory holiday, as there is a big span without one from July to September.

Bullshit day, not a stat, others that benefit is government, and for the people that work, have hear about the long weekend that most of us do not get if its not a stat its not an official holiday, may as well just take a Monday off any time and make your own long week end.

Every holiday is just a time wasted. Self-employed workaholic without benefits.

I've never heard of it being called simcoe day!

Government workers get far too much time off regardless of whether or not it is a holiday . Usually it is the Government workers who get too much time off that tell us to stop whining about things like this.

It's still called Simcoe Day in much of Ontario

We do the back yard long weekend. Save the hi-way carnage for others. We might even do a Vancouver baseball game on the Sunday prior to the 1st.

Would people in Ontario be required to work if they are scheduled regardless if it's not a stat holiday?

Please make Civic Holiday in Alberta as a statutory holiday in Alberta. Because it's not recognized as a Stat, I have to work August long wile every one else is enjoying a day off.

August long weekend in BC IS a Stat Holiday

for those who complain or think government employees have more holiday days.. government employees do not get family day and public workers do so shouldn't complain about civic holiday really

The Civic Holiday is not considered "Regatta Day" in all of NL, only in the St. John's area...AND Regatta Day is taken on a Wednesday!

FYI provincial and federal employees pay taxes as well. Which means they pay a portion of their own salary.

My company recognizes the "Civic Holiday" as a stat holiday for our offices in BC and ON, but not in AB.

Why do fed and prov servants get holidays the rest of the working people do not? Our taxes pay for their wages, so why do we not get them. It doesn't makes sense, does it?

There are only 10 provinces in Canada...and 3 territories.

Totally disagree. If we make the religious holidays not a stat holiday then Canada will start losing its identity. if you want immigrate here, you immigrate into our holidays. I wouldn't go to the middle east and request that Ramadan and other holidays not be holidays. only a truly ignorant person would try to change the country they move to for their own benefit. Take us as we are or stay I your home country. no questions about that.

In Manitoba it's called Terry Fox Day. Nothing was mentioned in this blog????

It seems that the Civic Holiday is NOT a stat holiday. My company does not recognize it. Everything else is closed but we have to come in a read a book for 8 hours... I wish that Ms. Wynn would in fact make it a stat holiday.

hey Ontario consists of communities outside of Toronto... in Simcoe County (which is highway 9 north to the Severn River) ... its called Simcoe Day... for Govenor Simcoe who had a summer residence on Lake Simcoe in the hamlet of Shanty Bay (just outside Barrie).... The Townships of Tiny Tay and Flos (all in Simcoe County) were named after Lady Simcoe's three dogs.

Our company recognizes it as a holiday for our Ontario and BC offices, but not for Alberta. :-(

There should be 1 Stat Holiday every month in all provinces. I don't care what they call them. Religious holidays should NOT be a stat holiday. If you want a day off to celebrate something in your religion (Easter or whatever) then take the day off and don't make the rest of us take it. Otherwise we are in for a rude awakening when all the religions that make up our population start battling for equal time on the stat holiday front. No work will ever get done.

There is always confusion around the civic holiday. although it is an unofficial long weekend it is not a legal holiday. Therefore employers are not required to close nor are they required to pay holiday pay/time and a half. And on a national level employers are required to give 9 paid "general" holidays. Some employers give the option between Family Day and the civic holiday with holiday pay however if Family Day is observed as a holiday there is absolutely no requirement to observe and/or pay employees for the civic holiday.

All 12 provinces are part of Canada . Why do we have a different amount of holidays for some? Stat or not, all should be equal.

In the Manitoulin area, this holiday is referred to as "Haweater weekend"

Regatta Day, I believe is in ST.John's only, not the entire province

Regatta Day is a "townie" day off. Newfoundlanders will know that. For the rest of Canada, the St. John's area celebrates Regatta Day

PEI doesn't have a Natal Day. It is Gold Cup and Saucer Day. The 3rd Friday of August.

WOW, in regards to Where fat ppl set up. Who thee hell do you thinnk you are? DO you ever think some people have medical conditions? Do you not know that some conditions are so painful and also medication can cause weight gain? Oh wait you don't I forgot how could you know that ? Your too ignorant. Your obviously not a proud Canadian! Shame on you! As for not sending kids to daycare Do you ever think maybe someone losyt their spouse and has to work ? Or maybe another circumstance came up? MY goodness You two ppl must be related!! Have a great holiday finding. The worse in it .

There is an error in this article. Regatta Day in the first WEDNESDAY in August and has been for years and years, way before Newfoundland was part of Canada. The first morning of August is not kept.

For some people holidays are something they take for granted and they spend the days at the mall and in front of the TV. For some, overworked folks - especially in the private sector - holidays are the time to spend quality time with their families. My point is, there are so many people, so many stories, background, social and financial backgrounds - there is no overarching truth or doing things the "right" way. Considering each other's needs and finding a good balance between work and personal time, overtime and unemployment -- it's hard to do. Don't judge each other so quickly. And don't bash government employees please. Maybe they put in less work hours than someone at a private company but they are also people and for the most part, well meaning, good people and they don't deserve the abuse from some self-righteous people who think they are better than others just because they have different holidays.

Love how the rudest people here don't put their names......big talkers hiding behind their computer

Canada has to many holidays. Ontario especially. I would never set up where fat people want pay to not work

Working this holiday monday - least favorite memory - being run over by a car- most favorite memory ' camping with my wife and kids many times and always taking one night to go down to the beach and lie on picnic tables or a blanket on the sand and watch for shooting stars for about 1/2 hrs. There has been some grw st ones!

listen folks if your going to have a child then stop sending it to daycare and actually stay home and take care of the child yourself if you cant take care of your child because you have to work then don't have a child. You cant have your cake and eat t too.

If you're complaining that you don't get a paid holiday then you should have stayed in school and got an education that pays you for those days! It's your choice that you are where you are so stop complaining about those who have decided to do more with their life!

I think that this holiday is very unfair cause as usual your government workers get another day off when they already work short hours compared to private companies and I honestly don't understand why the banks are closed when retail workers in most cases are forced to work August 3rd, 2015. It seems that most of the holidays tend to benefit government workers whether provincial or federal while other industries don't get these holidays.

I am from Ottawa and we do not call it "Colonel By Day" and now I live in the GTA and no one calls it "Simcoe Day". Just "long weekend" or civic holiday.

It should pay less than minimum wage, because you're not working on welfare? Geez try going to another country and sit around doing nothing. Your starve.

All respectful comments will be posted if they are relevant to Civic holiday but don't use all caps or excessive punctuation or course language. Those posts will not be posted. Let's have a discussion instead of yelling at each other.

Wow there's a lot of hate in the world. Let's call this civic holiday "yay day" yay I live in Canada. The best country in the world. Because they have publicly decided that we should all take the day off and go to the beach :)

I understand that for some, welfare is a hand up and not a hand out. I just get frustrated with others. When I had my first daughter, my girlfriend had hers and was on welfare. She told me she planned on staying home with her until she went to grade 1. I did not have the luxury of this choice as I had to return to work. It upset me that she had the choice while I helped pay for that choice (no matter how I feel about the benefits of staying home). I know many others that have chosen to keep having children because they would get more money and stay home longer vs. have to work. I also know hard it is to get off welfare as you never get enough to get ahead but just to barely exist where u r at. I think people should be forced to go back to school...be it highscool, trade school, or academic programming in college/university....in a program that they can find employment in afterwards (not music or art....sorry). Student loans should be available to those on welfare without exclusion if they aren't already. I was a single mom....went back to school with 2 kids and obtained a degree in nursing. I had help with housing and daycare subsidies through local or government programs...and I got a student loan that took a long time to pay back but at least I was supporting myself and my family while I did.

All the complaining about how "nice" a life people have on welfare is pure uneducated garbage. There is a lot of abuse and that needs to stop but the system itself pays far less then minimum wage and there are stop gap measures in place to insure the resident is looking for work and not abusing or they are cut off. The abuse needs to stop and needs to be looked at closer but the general whining about "I support x number of people" also needs to stop. If it really bothers you do some research ( and listening to talk radio is not research)

@CapSquid. I lamented that Vet's day wasn't a holiday in ON, till I heard this. Many people view this as a day off, with no regard to the sacrifice of our sons and daughters. Making it a school day allows young people to be taught of the WHY of veterans day. We don't do enough for those brave souls

Having a job is a privilege these days. If you don't want it, please give it to me.

working is not a perviliage its a resposibility and it should be a must for all people.... it would be nice to have a little time off, but i agree there are far too many people that count on me to help pay for them to stay home. whats the point in these people trying to get jobs if they get more money to stay at home with benifits and not have to pay for daycares or barley pay rent ... it makes no sence to have a job anymore when u reep more rewards not having one

I would rather go to work. After all,there are 2 million welfare recips who depend on me. If NDP gets in in the fall, count on 4 million

Stop whining.... You work...good enough... Working is a privileged.... Not a right

@Taxpayer: Where is the equality? If gov. workers get such and such financial benefits out of stat. holidays, the rest of Canadians should too!

DO ontario Workers get paid Time and a half on Aug 3rd 2015? Curious because on the chart there was an indication that it wasnt a " real stat holiday" Can anyone clear this up for me? I work a long day and want to know what Im getting myself into! - Jenna

A government job is one many people have a choice to have. If you don't choose to have one, then stop complaining about people who do.

Can anyone tell me if this is a stat holiday in Toronto? as in mandatory we have it off?

Sorry to see that Ontario does not observe Veterans Day. They use to at one time. Other Provinces do regard our veterans with a day off. Fantino does not feel it should be, then look at his track record. He is not a plus for the conservative party in the first place. It is Canada and their volunteer army that has kept this country strong and free.

I agree with anonymous and Ptooie. Why do government employees get paid for holidays, such as Easter Monday, and Remembrance Day when it doesn't fall on a weekday? I also take issue with the number of sick days and government employees are given and the fact they can bank those days!! Thanks for the chance to voice my opinion.

"If you can, take Friday off and leave for your holiday on Friday morning or Thursday night and come back Sunday morning or early afternoon to avoid mile-long traffic jams on Monday." This seems like a dumb idea. If you're going to take a day off to avoid the traffic jams and completely waste the Monday holiday, you might as well just do it on some other weekend.

What really grinds my gears are the "government only" holidays. I have to work those, so I can pay taxes and pay those who make the rules to have the day off. Either make it mandatory for ALL employees, or go to work like the people who pay your wages.

Employer guy I have my own company and gladly pay my employees for holidays Happy employee = money in my pocket

To the employer guy, if your employees heard you talk about how you don't get paid holidays or vacation days they would probably quit! Sell your business and be one of them then!

I enjoy the comments about how folks should get paid for a civic holiday. As an employer who pays my staff when they stay home on statutory holidays, I say "no ENOUGH is ENOUGH" ! No one pays me for any statutory holidays or vacations days. Thank for volunteering us to pay for more time off but NO!

I have always received both Family Day and the August Civic holidays off working for different employers in Calgary.

In Alberta, you get 9 Stat holidays a year. So, if you get Family Day some companies work the Civich Holiday in August or vise versa. They do NOT have to pay you for both. Some companies will give you both with pay for one of them and your lucky if they pay you for both. If a company chooses to close the Civic Holiday they do not have to pay you if you have received the Family Day statutory day with pay.

Civic Holiday is a Provincial Holiday, not a Statutory holiday. In Alberta, Businesses have the option to (depending on if they are Federally or Provincially Regulated) to give employees the Holiday. My business doesn't recognize it as a holiday, instead we take Family Day. At my previous employer, our guys didn't get Family day as the holiday, they got Civic holiday. Civic Holiday is Employer dependant, on how they want, not how the government enforces. Keep in mind this is for Alberta, I don't know about any other province.

It kinda sucks it not being a paid holiday in Alberta on August. 4 . The guys look forward to the extra money. Why is it not a holiday?

I had always thought Civic Holiday Monday was a stat holiday. It seems rude to give people the day off and then not pay them. This should be a mandated stat holiday like Labour Day is.

Seeing that the Civic Holiday is not observed as a stat holiday, what would happen if the company I work for chooses to close for that day, do they still need to pay me?

People ragging on the government...we don't get family day off. :/ boo.

More jealousy of state employees. If you think they've got it easy, then go to work for the government yourself rather than complain. The real elites love to make the working class turn on itself. Government employees are hardly economic elites. If you are too unskilled to get a government job, that's your fault.

Reply to Juan: So your ok with on Family Day in Feb., gov't & postal workers have to work while you have the day off? It goes both ways. Know your facts before you go spouting off.

LOL @ all the complaints. These are the people who vote Conservative! If you want a holiday you're going to have to vote NDP or Green. Quit whining!

Not a holiday for everybody is a BS ,how can government employees benefit from this and not the general public,I guess it,s like guaranteed pension plans....way to go..if you want to demotivate.

Regatta Day is ONLY a holiday in St. John's, Nfld., NOT the entire province and it is held on the first WEDNESDAY in August, not Monday. It is also held 'weather permittimh': if too windy, is held the next day.

In Ontario this is a Fake Holiday, not stat, and unless you work for big business or the government, you don't get it off. Big load of ......

haha thanks Jean, that fact made me smile :P

I spent my civic day at heritage festival as volunteer :-)

This holiday I feel related to Honda civic birthday

I am confused if the Civic Holiday is a stat holiday in Toronto?

I've never heard it called Natal Day on PEI. We call it civic.

I believe the Civic Holiday (First Monday of August) is observed in Manitoba as well. Though not as a Stat Holiday

Civic is the same spelled backwards :-)

This holiday gets called Civic Holiday on calendars because it has various names in various provinces, and calendar-makers don't want to print them all. "Civic" not only pertains to cities, but to citizenship/nationality in general.

On civic holiday everyone should be getting of from work cause half of business are close anyways and also kids are home from school so parents could spend time together and in this generation we need to spend more time with kids especially working parents.

St Jean Baptiste Day, June 24th, is also a holiday in St. John's Newfoundland, called St. John's Day. It is the day St. John's was founded, and so the city was named after the saint. Therefore, it is not only Quebec that celebrates that day. :)

Just make this day a stat holiday. It's confusing as most people think they get the day off, time and a half pay, etc. Since many businesses close for the day, you have half the people treating it like a stat and the other half left wondering why it is treated like nothing.

Can't believe some retail stores like Canada Computers don't get this day off. Its unfair to the employees. I never get to go camping :-(

Jo, Quebec gets St Jean Baptiste day in June. No one else gets this day in Canada. It all evens out.

So Civic holiday is not observed in Quebec. What do we get to make up for this? Seems like parts of the country get less time off than others. A bit unfair, isn't it?

This is the day when my cousins celebrate with the annual beef roast. Family and friends from Canada and the U.S. Try to get back to our camps and gather at home to enjoy ourselves and renew the family bonds between us. I have been unable to attend in recent years amd I miss them. But Civic Holiday has always had a special day in the heart of this Canadian who by chance happened to be born south of the border. Have fun everyone!

We are going camping! Hopefully there isn't a lot of traffic...

It's actually the first WEDNESDAY in August that is Regatta Day in Newfoundland :)

Seems like this comments area on the bottom of the page is new...you should add it to other pages as well. I have a good story for another holiday but not for this one:(

My husband and I will take Friday and Tuesday off and drive up to a rental cottage with our daughter and two dogs. That's our long-weekend strategy, to take one day off before and after the holidays to avoid traffic;) Also, it's the perfect cottage time - no mosquitoes or deer flies. If you live in the GTA we highly recommend you drive north past Algonquin Park; anything below the park is too busy, north of Algonquin you will enjoy more peace and more nature!

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