Statutory Holidays: What Does the CNESST Say About Christmas and New Year’s Day?

Statutory Holidays: What Does the CNESST Say About Christmas and New Year’s Day?

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, many people wonder: Do we have to work on December 25 or January 1? Are we entitled to anything extra? Good news — the answer is yes. According to the CNESST, both dates are recognized statutory holidays across the province.

In practical terms, for most workers in Quebec, December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year’s Day) are paid days off. This means that even if you do not work, you must still receive compensation for the holiday.

However, some employers may require certain employees to work on these days — some services simply cannot shut down, such as hospitals, essential services, or open businesses. In those cases, the CNESST requires that the worker receive their regular daily wage plus additional compensation. The employer may choose to:

• Pay an additional statutory holiday indemnity, or
• Grant a paid compensatory day off, to be taken within three weeks before or after the holiday.

Another possible situation: if December 25 or January 1 falls on a day the employee does not normally work — or if they are already on vacation — they are still entitled to the indemnity or to a compensatory day off.

In short: whether you work or not, whether it is your usual workday or not — your rights are protected.

So before the holidays, a quick reminder to all workers: stay informed. Check your schedule, speak with your employer if needed, and remember that the law is clear. Your statutory holidays must be paid — or compensated — according to CNESST rules.