As the 2025 Easter weekend approaches, Canadians across the country are preparing for the holiday — but for some, the rules surrounding time off for Good Friday and Easter Monday can be confusing. While these two days are recognized holidays in certain provinces, they aren’t automatically given off to all employees across Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the holiday regulations for Easter 2025, including who gets time off and where.
Easter Weekend in Canada: What You Need to Know
Easter 2025 falls between April 18 and 21, with Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. The dates shift every year, as Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21, meaning it can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Good Friday: A Statutory Holiday for Most Canadians
Good Friday, on April 18, 2025, is a statutory holiday across most of Canada. It’s a holiday for federal government employees and those in federally regulated industries, such as banks, postal services, and transportation. However, the rules vary by province.
In most provinces and territories — including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia — Good Friday is a statutory holiday. This means that schools, banks, government offices, and a variety of businesses will be closed.
Quebec: An Exception to the Rule
In Quebec, however, the situation is different. While employers in the province must give employees a day off on either Good Friday or Easter Monday, they are not required to provide both days off. Depending on the employer, you might have Friday off and work on Monday, or vice versa.
Easter Monday: Not a Statutory Holiday Everywhere
Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, is not a statutory holiday for most Canadians. However, the federal government recognizes it, so employees working in federally regulated industries (such as Canada Post or federal services) will likely get the day off.
In Quebec, as with Good Friday, employers can choose which day to observe, though Easter Monday is generally more common. In other provinces and territories, Easter Monday is a regular workday unless an employer opts to give employees the day off, but this isn’t required by law.
Business and Store Hours During Easter Weekend
Easter weekend can also affect retail and service hours, even though Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in most places. Many stores, restaurants, and services may close or reduce their hours on Easter Sunday and Monday. Federal services like Canada Post and banks will be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Summary of Easter 2025 Statutory Holidays:
Good Friday (April 18, 2025): Statutory holiday in all provinces and territories except Quebec.
Easter Monday (April 21, 2025): Statutory holiday only in Quebec; federal employees get the day off. For most provinces, it’s a regular workday.
Business Hours: Retail and service hours vary across the weekend. Canada Post, banks, and federal services will be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Monday.
If you’re among those fortunate enough to enjoy a four-day weekend, make the most of it. For the rest, perhaps an extra coffee break on Monday will help ease the workday.
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