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.