While most people think Canada Day is on July 1st, once every 6
years, July 1st falls on a Sunday. When that happens, according to
federal legislation, Canada Day is legally observed on July
2nd.
The Holidays Act is a federal legislation that provides
for three specific holidays to be observed nationally; Remembrance
Day, Victoria Day, and Canada Day. The Act provides that Canada Day
is to be observed on July 1st, except if it falls on a Sunday. In
that case, Canada Day is observed as a legal holiday on July
2nd.
Why does this matter?
July 1st, 2018 falls on a Sunday.
Employment standards legislation in each Atlantic Province
outlines how employees are to be compensated on public holidays.
With the exception of Nova Scotia (who has recently amended the
regulations under their employment standards legislation), the
other Atlantic Provinces do not define a date for Canada Day, which
means that when Canada Day falls on a Sunday, it will be observed
on July 2nd,
