Regulations updated regarding Canada Day holiday

Updates to regulations make it clear when stores will be required to close and when workers are eligible to receive holiday pay for Canada Day.

“We understand there was some confusion around when stores should close when Canada Day falls on a Sunday,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

“The changes to regulations clarify that retail stores required to close, will do so on the Sunday, July 1, and the holiday pay rules will apply on that day.”

Beginning in 2018, July 1 will always be treated as Canada Day, even when it falls on a Sunday.

This means certain retail business must close on July 1, and qualifying employees may receive holiday pay.

Previously, July 2 was treated as a holiday and retail closing day when July 1 was a Sunday.

Jim Cormier, Atlantic director for Retail Council of Canada, says he raised concern with the government about the previous regulations.

He says he’s pleased the government understood the concerns and made changes to the regulations.

“Retail businesses will now close their doors and join with Nova Scotians celebrating Canada Day on July 1,” he said.

“The province’s retailers will be open for business on July 2 when Nova Scotians are more likely to shop in their stores.”

Canada Day is a designated retail closing day. Many retail businesses, such as supermarkets, clothing stores and appliance stores must close on Sunday, July 1.

Other retail businesses, like convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants, can open.

Canada Day is a paid holiday for employees who qualify. Employees do not have to work on a holiday to qualify for holiday pay.

Employees who are eligible for the Canada Day holiday might: get the day off with pay

another day off with pay, if they don’t usually work that day of the week

get extra pay on Canada Day, if they work that day Employers of continuous operations (businesses that normally operate 7 days a week, such as restaurants) don’t have to give employees extra pay for working on the holiday.

Instead, they could give employees regular pay for working on Canada Day plus a paid day off on another day.