Remembrance Day in Canada
Remembrance Day is observed across Canada on November 11 to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died in service. Ceremonies and a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. are central to the observance, while the right to a paid day off depends on the worker’s jurisdiction and schedule.[1][2]
From Armistice Day to Remembrance Day
The day grew from the commemoration of the armistice that ended fighting in the First World War. Canada first marked November 11 as Armistice Day in 1919. Legislation in 1921 made it a legal holiday, but placed it on the Monday in the week of November 11 and combined it with Thanksgiving. In 1931, Parliament fixed the observance on November 11 and renamed it Remembrance Day.[2]
The commemoration began with remembrance of the First World War dead and now honours Canadian Armed Forces members who died in action. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance through the influence of “In Flanders Fields,” a poem written in 1915 by Canadian army physician John McCrae.[1]
Ceremonies and customs
At ceremonies, the “Last Post” marks the beginning of the two minutes of silence; the “Rouse” follows it. Wreaths may then be laid. These calls connect the ceremony with military sentry duty and remembrance of those who died.[3]
In Ottawa, veterans march past the National War Memorial and wreaths are laid as attendees observe two minutes of silence. The memorial, in Confederation Square, honours Canadians who served in wartime; its meaning was broadened to include service in later conflicts.[4] Canadians also wear poppies as a remembrance symbol.[1]
A day off depends on where and how you work
Remembrance Day is a paid general holiday for employees covered by the Canada Labour Code, including employees of federally regulated employers. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday that is not a scheduled workday, those employees are entitled to a paid holiday on the scheduled workday immediately before or after. Federal rules also allow an employer to substitute another day under specified conditions. The Code does not prohibit working on a general holiday.[5]
Provincial rules differ. Alberta lists Remembrance Day as a general holiday, with eligibility for holiday pay depending on factors including whether the day is a regular workday. Saskatchewan includes it among its public holidays; when it falls on Sunday, the following Monday is observed for businesses normally closed that day, while a Saturday holiday is not moved. In Quebec, Remembrance Day is not a statutory holiday for provincially covered employees, although it is a statutory holiday for employees covered by the Canada Labour Code.[6][7][8]
Planning for November 11
The holiday’s employment rules do not mean that every office, shop, or service closes nationwide. Federal labour standards permit work on the holiday, and Alberta’s guidance says the same employment standards rules apply whether a business is open or closed. Check with an employer or service provider for local opening hours, and check the applicable employment rules to find out whether a paid day off or substitute day applies.[5][6]
Frequently asked questions
When is Remembrance Day in Canada?
It is observed every year on November 11. The two-minute silence takes place at 11 a.m. local time.[1]
Is Remembrance Day a paid day off throughout Canada?
No single rule applies to every worker. It is a paid general holiday for employees covered by the Canada Labour Code, while provincial rules vary; for example, Quebec does not make it a statutory holiday for provincially covered workers.[5][8]
Is there always a substitute day when November 11 falls on a weekend?
No nationwide rule gives everyone the same substitute day. Federal employees whose regular workday does not include the weekend are entitled to a paid holiday on the scheduled workday immediately before or after. Saskatchewan has a distinct Sunday rule for businesses normally closed that day, and does not move a Saturday holiday.[5][7]
Sources and references
Sources used for Remembrance Day in Canada:
- Remembrance Day, Poppy Day, Armistice Day – Writing Tips Plus – Writing Tools – Resources of the Language Portal of Canada- Language Portal of Canada, Government of Canada
- Remembrance Day | 2. History of Remembrance Day- Department of National Defence, Government of Canada
- Remembrance Day | 11. Last Post / Rouse / Lament- Department of National Defence, Government of Canada
- The Response, National War Memorial- Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada
- Annual vacations and general holidays for employees working for federally regulated employers- Employment and Social Development Canada, Government of Canada
- Employment standards – Alberta general holidays- Government of Alberta
- List of Saskatchewan Public Holidays- Government of Saskatchewan
- Statutory holidays in Quebec- Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail, Government of Quebec