National holiday: what the law stipulates in Quebec for June 24th

National holiday: what the law stipulates in Quebec for June 24th

Quebec’s National Holiday, celebrated on June 24th, is governed by the National Holiday Act and is a statutory holiday, a day off with pay for all workers covered by provincial legislation.

According to the Act, employees are entitled to mandatory compensation for this day, either in the form of a financial allowance or a paid compensatory day off. The employer must ensure that the employee receives one of these benefits, even if they do not normally work that day.

When an employee is required to work on June 24th, they must receive their regular salary plus the compensation stipulated by law, or be granted an equivalent compensatory day off, generally granted close to the holiday date.

The compensatory day off is regulated and must usually be granted in the period leading up to the National Holiday, according to the terms set out in the Act or applicable collective agreements.

The National Holiday is thus distinguished from other public holidays in Quebec by its special status, reflecting its cultural and identity importance in the province.