Public holidays are a right for employees in Ontario, whether they work full-time or part-time. But how can you ensure the correct calculation of holiday pay for a part-time employee? If you are an employer or HR manager, here is a clear guide to help you comply with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA).
What Are the Public Holidays in Ontario?​
Ontario recognizes 9 public holidays each year:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Family Day (3rd Monday in February)
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day (Monday before May 25)
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Labour Day (1st Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving Day (2nd Monday in October)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
These days entitle eligible employees, including part-time workers, to holiday pay.
Who Is Eligible for Holiday Pay?​
An employee is eligible for holiday pay if they worked their last scheduled shift before the holiday and their first scheduled shift after (unless they have a valid excuse, such as illness).
How to Calculate Holiday Pay for a Part-Time Employee?​
Holiday pay is calculated using the following formula:
đź“Ś Holiday Pay = Total wages earned in the 4 weeks before the holiday Ă· Total days worked in those 4 weeks
Calculation Example:​
Suppose a part-time employee:
- Worked a total of 10 days in the 4 weeks before the holiday
- Earned $1,200 during that period
đź“Ś Holiday Pay = $1,200 Ă· 10 days = $120
The employee will receive $120 for the holiday, even if they do not work that day.
What Happens If the Employee Works on the Holiday?​
If an eligible employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for the hours worked
OR
- Their regular rate for the hours worked + a substitute paid day off
Example: If the employee earns $20/hour and works 8 hours on the holiday, they can receive $160 in regular pay + a paid day off, or $240 (8 hours x $30/hour).
Conclusion​
Even for part-time employees, holiday pay is a legally protected right. By applying the correct formula, employers can ensure fair and compliant payroll practices.
To avoid errors, consider using Feuille de Temps, your time-tracking and payroll management tool, to simplify holiday pay calculations and meet legal requirements.
Feuille de Temps​
We developed Feuille de Temps to help you avoid complex calculations and errors. Feuille de Temps automatically calculates payable hours for public holidays in Ontario and across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays are there in Ontario?
Ontario recognizes 9 public holidays each year: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Are part-time employees entitled to holiday pay in Ontario?
Yes. Holiday pay applies to eligible employees, whether they work full-time or part-time.
Who is eligible for holiday pay in Ontario?
An employee who worked their last scheduled shift before the holiday and their first scheduled shift after, unless they have a valid excuse such as illness.
How is holiday pay calculated for a part-time employee in Ontario?
By dividing the total wages earned in the 4 weeks before the holiday by the total number of days worked in those 4 weeks.
What happens if an employee works on the holiday in Ontario?
They are entitled to 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for the hours worked, or their regular rate for the hours worked plus a substitute paid day off.