Planning your year is always exciting. Whether you’re scheduling vacations, coordinating family gatherings, or just looking forward to a long weekend, knowing the official public holidays is essential. For residents of British Columbia, understanding the bc stat holidays 2025 calendar helps you make the most of your time off. Statutory holidays, often called stat holidays, are special days recognized by the government where most employees are entitled to a day off with pay. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the official public holidays in British Columbia for 2025, from the specific dates to how statutory pay is calculated. Get ready to mark your calendars and start planning your year of rest and adventure.
Key Takeaways
- British Columbia has 11 official statutory holidays in 2025.
- Eligible employees receive statutory holiday pay, even if they don’t work on the holiday.
- Statutory pay is calculated based on an employee’s average daily pay from the 30 days preceding the holiday.
- Some industries, like hospitality and tourism, have different rules for working on a stat holiday.
- Planning around the bc stat holidays 2025 can help you maximize your vacation time by creating long weekends.
What Are Statutory Holidays in BC?
Statutory holidays are public holidays established by either federal or provincial legislation. In British Columbia, these days are recognized under the province’s Employment Standards Act. For most employees, this means a day off from work with pay. The primary purpose of these holidays is to provide workers with paid time off to rest, celebrate cultural or historical events, and spend time with family and friends. The list of bc stat holidays 2025 is set by the provincial government, ensuring that workers across various sectors get these well-deserved breaks throughout the year.
It’s important to distinguish between a statutory holiday and other observed holidays. For instance, while Easter Monday and Boxing Day are commonly given as days off by many employers, they are not official statutory holidays in BC. This means employers are not legally required to provide a paid day off. Understanding this distinction is key to knowing your rights as an employee. The official list for 2025 includes well-known days like New Year’s Day and Canada Day, as well as provincially specific holidays like Family Day. Being informed about your entitlements is the first step to properly navigating your work year.
Official BC Stat Holidays 2025: Dates and Details
Getting the dates right is crucial for planning. The bc stat holidays 2025 are spread throughout the year, offering periodic breaks. Here is the official list of statutory holidays for British Columbia in 2025, along with the day of the week they fall on.
|
Holiday Name |
Date in 2025 |
Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
|
New Year’s Day |
January 1 |
Wednesday |
|
Family Day |
February 17 |
Monday |
|
Good Friday |
April 18 |
Friday |
|
Victoria Day |
May 19 |
Monday |
|
Canada Day |
July 1 |
Tuesday |
|
BC Day |
August 4 |
Monday |
|
Labour Day |
September 1 |
Monday |
|
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
September 30 |
Tuesday |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
October 13 |
Monday |
|
Remembrance Day |
November 11 |
Tuesday |
|
Christmas Day |
December 25 |
Thursday |
This table provides a clear overview of the days you can officially expect to have off. Notice how many of the 2025 holidays create natural long weekends, perfect for short trips or extra relaxation.
A Closer Look at Each 2025 Statutory Holiday
Each holiday has its own significance. Let’s explore the individual bc stat holidays 2025 and what they represent.
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
Kicking off the year, New Year’s Day is a global celebration of new beginnings. In British Columbia, it’s a statutory holiday that allows people to recover from New Year’s Eve festivities and start the year fresh. Falling on a Wednesday in 2025, it provides a mid-week break right at the start of the year. Many people use this day to set resolutions, spend quiet time with family, or participate in community events like polar bear swims. As the first stat holiday of the year, it sets the tone for the breaks to come.
Family Day – Monday, February 17
Family Day is one of British Columbia’s newer statutory holidays, celebrated on the third Monday of February. It was established to give people more time to spend with their loved ones during the long winter stretch between New Year’s and Easter. In 2025, it creates a much-welcomed three-day weekend. Communities across the province host special events, and many families take the opportunity for a mini-vacation, hitting the ski slopes or visiting local attractions. It’s a day dedicated entirely to celebrating the importance of family.
Good Friday – Friday, April 18
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and its date changes each year based on the lunar calendar. In 2025, it lands on April 18, providing a long weekend to mark the beginning of spring. For many, it is a day of religious observance and reflection. For others, it’s a chance to enjoy the spring weather, gather with family, and participate in community Easter egg hunts and other seasonal activities.
Victoria Day – Monday, May 19
Celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday that honors Queen Victoria’s birthday. It unofficially marks the start of the summer season in Canada. In BC, this means a long weekend perfect for gardening, camping, or firing up the barbecue for the first time. Parades and fireworks are common in cities and towns across the province. Victoria Day is a cherished part of the bc stat holidays 2025 calendar, giving everyone a taste of the summer fun ahead.
Canada Day – Tuesday, July 1
Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, which united three colonies into a single country called Canada. As the nation’s birthday, it’s a day of patriotism and celebration. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Many people will take the preceding Monday off to create a four-day weekend. Expect to see a sea of red and white at parades, festivals, and firework displays. It’s a day for Canadians to show their national pride and enjoy the peak of summer.
BC Day – Monday, August 4
Celebrated on the first Monday of August, BC Day is a statutory holiday unique to British Columbia. This day celebrates the province’s heritage, culture, and history. It’s a perfect time to explore the natural beauty of BC, from its mountains to its coastline. Many communities hold local festivals, concerts, and historical reenactments. The long weekend in the heart of summer is ideal for camping, hiking, or visiting one of the province’s many beautiful parks and recreational sites.
Labour Day – Monday, September 1
Observed on the first Monday of September, Labour Day celebrates the achievements of workers and the labour union movement. It originated in the 19th century to campaign for better working conditions and a shorter workweek. Today, it also serves as the unofficial end of summer. Families often use this long weekend for one last summer trip or to prepare for the upcoming school year. It’s a key date in the bc stat holidays 2025 list, offering a final warm-weather break.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Tuesday, September 30
This is one of the newest statutory holidays in British Columbia. Established as a day to honor the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities, it is a time for public commemoration and reflection. It falls on September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Falling on a Tuesday in 2025, it is a solemn day for Canadians to learn about and reflect on a tragic part of the country’s history and to commit to reconciliation.
Thanksgiving Day – Monday, October 13
Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s a day to give thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Families and friends gather for a traditional feast, which typically includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The long weekend is also a popular time to enjoy the crisp autumn air and vibrant fall foliage. It’s a cozy and cherished holiday focused on gratitude and togetherness.
Remembrance Day – Tuesday, November 11
Remembrance Day honors the military personnel who have died in the line of duty. It is observed on November 11 to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. While it is a statutory holiday, its observance is unique. Ceremonies are held at 11:00 a.m. at cenotaphs across the province, marked by a moment of silence. Unlike other holidays, the focus is on solemn commemoration rather than celebration. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday.
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25
Christmas Day is a globally recognized holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. For many British Columbians, it is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals. In 2025, it falls on a Thursday. Many employers also provide Boxing Day (December 26) as a paid day off, creating a four-day weekend. This allows for extended celebrations and a chance to relax at the end of the year, wrapping up the annual cycle of bc stat holidays 2025.
Understanding Statutory Holiday Pay
One of the most important aspects of statutory holidays is the pay. So, who is eligible, and how is it calculated?
Who Qualifies for Stat Pay?
Under BC’s Employment Standards Act, an employee is eligible for statutory holiday pay if they have been employed for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday. They must also have worked or earned wages on at least 15 of the 30 days immediately preceding the stat holiday. This rule ensures that the benefit is for regular employees, rather than very short-term or casual workers. There are some exceptions, and certain professions are not covered by these specific rules, so it’s always good to check the Act or consult with an HR professional if you’re unsure. Staying informed about regulations is always wise, and you can find helpful resources on sites like the Silicon Valley Time for business and legal news.
How to Calculate Statutory Holiday Pay
If you qualify, you are entitled to what is called an “average day’s pay.” To calculate this, you take the total wages you earned in the 30 calendar days before the holiday and divide it by the number of days you actually worked during that period.
Total wages ÷ Number of days worked = Average day’s pay
Total wages includes regular wages, commission, statutory holiday pay, and paid vacation. It does not include overtime pay.
For example, if an employee earned $3,000 in the 30 days before a stat holiday and worked 20 days, their statutory holiday pay would be $150 ($3,000 / 20). This is the amount they would be paid for the holiday if they have the day off.
Working on a BC Stat Holiday
What happens if your job requires you to work on one of the bc stat holidays 2025? This is common in industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation.
If you are an eligible employee and are required to work on a statutory holiday, you are entitled to be paid premium pay for the hours you work. This is calculated at 1.5 times your regular wage for the first 12 hours worked and double-time for any hours worked over 12. In addition to this premium pay, you are also entitled to receive an average day’s pay. Essentially, you get paid extra for working, plus you get your statutory holiday pay. This combination ensures that employees are fairly compensated for giving up their holiday to work.
There are some exceptions where an employee and employer can agree in writing to substitute another day for the statutory holiday. In this case, the substituted day is treated just like the statutory holiday, and the same pay rules apply.
Maximizing Your Time Off in 2025
Strategic planning can turn your statutory holidays into extended vacations. By looking at the bc stat holidays 2025 calendar, you can identify opportunities to use your vacation days wisely.
- Canada Day (Tuesday, July 1): By taking Monday, June 30 off, you can create a four-day weekend.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Tuesday, Sept 30): Take Monday, September 29 off for another four-day break.
- Remembrance Day (Tuesday, Nov 11): Use a vacation day on Monday, November 10 to enjoy a long weekend.
- Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec 25): Taking Friday, December 26 (if not already given) and the following Monday and Tuesday can give you a week-long break for just a few vacation days.
Planning ahead like this allows you to enjoy longer, more restful breaks without using up all your annual leave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are Easter Monday and Boxing Day statutory holidays in BC?
No, Easter Monday and Boxing Day are not official statutory holidays in British Columbia. While many employers choose to give these days off, they are not legally required to do so with pay under the Employment Standards Act.
Q2: What is the difference between a federal and a provincial stat holiday?
Federal statutory holidays apply to federally regulated employees (e.g., banks, federal civil service, postal workers). Provincial statutory holidays apply to employees regulated under provincial employment standards. Most workers in BC (about 90%) are provincially regulated. The lists are very similar, but there can be small differences.
Q3: Do part-time employees get statutory holiday pay?
Yes, part-time employees are eligible for statutory holiday pay as long as they meet the same criteria as full-time employees: employed for 30 days and worked or earned wages on 15 of the 30 days before the holiday. Their pay is calculated the same way, as an average day’s pay.
Q4: What happens if a stat holiday falls on my regular day off?
If a statutory holiday falls on your regular day off, you are still entitled to the statutory holiday benefit. Most employers will either pay you an average day’s pay or provide you with another day off with pay at a mutually agreed-upon time.
Q5: Are new employees eligible for stat holiday pay?
A new employee must be employed for at least 30 calendar days before the statutory holiday to be eligible. If, for example, an employee starts work on January 15, they would not be eligible for Family Day on February 17, as they would not have met the 30-day requirement.
Conclusion
The bc stat holidays 2025 offer valuable opportunities for rest, celebration, and connection with loved ones. With 11 official public holidays spread throughout the year, British Columbians have many chances to take a break from work. By understanding which days are official holidays, knowing your rights regarding statutory pay, and planning strategically, you can make the most of these days off. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a quiet weekend at home, or simply enjoying a day of rest, this guide provides all the information you need to navigate the 2025 holiday calendar with confidence. Start marking your calendar today and get ready for a well-balanced and exciting year ahead.
