Manitoba’s Official Holiday Calendar for 2025
Manitoba’s official holiday calendar for 2025 includes a mix of federal and provincial statutory holidays, offering residents a chance to celebrate national events and local traditions. These holidays are recognized by the government, and most employees are entitled to a day off with pay, although some exceptions apply depending on the nature of employment.
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a statutory holiday across Canada, including Manitoba. It is a time for reflection and celebration, often accompanied by gatherings and festivities.
Louis Riel Day, unique to Manitoba, is observed on the third Monday in February. This holiday honours the legacy of Louis Riel, a Métis leader and founder of Manitoba, recognizing his contributions to the province’s cultural and historical heritage.
Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, will be observed on April 18th in 2025. It is a statutory holiday in Manitoba, providing a long weekend for many residents.
Victoria Day, celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25th, marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. It honours Queen Victoria’s birthday and is a statutory holiday in Manitoba, offering a chance for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is a national holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Confederation in 1867. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday, providing Manitobans with a mid-week break to enjoy patriotic festivities.
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, recognizes the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It is a statutory holiday in Manitoba, marking the unofficial end of summer with various events and activities.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed on September 30th, is a relatively new statutory holiday in Canada, established to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. This day serves as a time for reflection on the historical and ongoing impacts of these institutions on Indigenous peoples.
Thanksgiving Day in Manitoba is celebrated on the second Monday in October. This holiday provides an opportunity for families to gather and give thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
Remembrance Day, observed on November 11th, is a day to honor and remember the sacrifices of military personnel in Canada. While not a statutory holiday in all provinces, it is recognized in Manitoba, allowing for ceremonies and moments of reflection.
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is a statutory holiday across Canada, including Manitoba. It is a time for celebrating with family and friends, often marked by gift-giving and festive meals.
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is recognized as a statutory holiday in Manitoba. Traditionally a day for shopping and post-Christmas sales, it also serves as a time for relaxation and spending time with loved ones.
Stat Holidays and Public Services in Manitoba: What’s Open and Closed
Public services such as government offices, including municipal, provincial, and federal offices, are generally closed on statutory holidays. This closure extends to services like libraries, community centers, and most administrative offices. However, essential services such as police, fire departments, and hospitals remain operational to ensure public safety and health needs are met.
Retail businesses, including shopping malls and grocery stores, often have varied hours on stat holidays. Some may choose to close entirely, while others may operate on reduced hours. It’s advisable for consumers to check with individual stores for their specific holiday hours. Liquor stores in Manitoba, operated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, also typically adjust their hours or close on certain statutory holidays.
Banks and financial institutions are generally closed on statutory holidays, which means that in-person banking services will not be available. However, digital banking services remain accessible, allowing customers to manage their finances online. ATMs are also typically operational, providing basic banking services during these closures.
In the realm of recreation, many tourist attractions, museums, and parks may remain open, although they might operate on reduced hours. This provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore cultural and recreational activities during their day off. It’s recommended to verify the opening hours of specific attractions in advance.
Restaurants and cafes have varied responses to stat holidays. While some may close, others might see it as an opportunity to attract holiday crowds and thus remain open, sometimes offering special holiday menus. It’s a good idea to make reservations or check with the establishment beforehand to confirm their holiday hours.
How do stat holidays affect pay in Manitoba in 2025?
In Manitoba, statutory holidays, often referred to as ‘stat holidays,’ have specific regulations regarding pay that are designed to ensure employees are fairly compensated. In 2025, if an employee is eligible and does not work on a stat holiday, they are entitled to a day off with general holiday pay. This pay is calculated as 5% of their total wages, excluding overtime, earned in the four weeks preceding the holiday.
For employees who work on a stat holiday in Manitoba, the regulations stipulate that they must be paid at least 1.5 times their regular wage for the hours worked on that day. Additionally, these employees are also entitled to a substitute day off with general holiday pay, which is calculated in the same manner as for those who do not work on the holiday.
Eligibility for stat holiday pay in Manitoba generally requires that an employee has worked for the same employer for at least 30 days in the 12 months preceding the holiday. Furthermore, employees must work their scheduled shift immediately before and after the holiday, unless they have reasonable cause for absence, to qualify for holiday pay.
It’s important for both employers and employees to be aware of these rules to ensure compliance with Manitoba’s employment standards. Employers should maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid to facilitate the correct calculation of holiday pay. Employees should also be informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding stat holidays to avoid any misunderstandings.
Do part-time employees receive stat holiday pay in Manitoba?
In Manitoba, part-time employees are entitled to statutory holiday pay, just like their full-time counterparts. The Employment Standards Code in Manitoba ensures that all eligible employees, regardless of their employment status, receive compensation for statutory holidays.
To qualify for statutory holiday pay, part-time employees must meet certain criteria. They must have worked for the same employer for at least 30 calendar days before the holiday and have worked their last scheduled shift before the holiday and the first scheduled shift after the holiday, unless they have a valid reason for absence.
The calculation of statutory holiday pay for part-time employees is based on their average daily wage. This is determined by taking the total wages earned in the four weeks leading up to the holiday and dividing it by the number of days worked during that period.
If a part-time employee is required to work on a statutory holiday, they are entitled to receive 1.5 times their regular wage for the hours worked, in addition to their holiday pay. This ensures fair compensation for working on a day that is generally recognized as a day off.
Employers in Manitoba are encouraged to clearly communicate holiday pay policies and any specific requirements to their part-time employees. This transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that employees are aware of their rights and entitlements regarding statutory holidays.
Are there any unique cultural events tied to Manitoba’s stat holidays?
Manitoba’s stat holidays often coincide with unique cultural events that reflect the province’s diverse heritage and community spirit. One of the most notable is Louis Riel Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February. This holiday honors Louis Riel, a Métis leader and a founder of Manitoba. The day is marked by events that celebrate Métis culture, including traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Museums and cultural centers often host special exhibitions and educational programs to highlight the history and contributions of the Métis people.
Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is another stat holiday that features a variety of cultural events across Manitoba. In Winnipeg, The Forks is a popular gathering spot where people enjoy live music, cultural performances, and fireworks. Smaller communities throughout the province also host parades, barbecues, and family-friendly activities, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of community pride.
Victoria Day, celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25th, marks the unofficial start of summer in Manitoba. While it is a national holiday, many communities in Manitoba use this time to celebrate with events that highlight local culture and history. Garden parties, historical reenactments, and community fairs are common, providing opportunities for residents to engage with their heritage and enjoy the outdoors.
Thanksgiving Day, observed on the second Monday in October, is a time for Manitobans to gather with family and friends. While it is primarily a day for personal reflection and gratitude, many communities host harvest festivals and farmers’ markets, celebrating the agricultural bounty of the province. These events often include local crafts, produce, and traditional foods, offering a taste of Manitoba’s rich culinary traditions.
