Canada Day Retail Hours
The following is a brief overview of retail business regulations from across the country, as related to Canada Day.
More information on retail closing days can be found on the RCC website at: https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/holiday-store-hours/
Since there are exceptions to Canada Day retail hours, based on jurisdiction and type of retail store, RCC members are encouraged to check with their local municipality or provincial/territorial government if they have specific questions.
Please note: In provinces where there are no regulations related to Canada Day retail hours (see below), there may still be rules in a retailer’s shopping mall lease agreement pertaining to retail opening hours on that day.
Atlantic Canada:
In New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Nova Scotia, Canada Day is a retail closing day for most retailers.
In Prince Edward Island, retailers are allowed to open on Canada Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.
Quebec:
In Quebec, Canada Day is a retail closing day for most retailers (except grocers, pharmacies and stores in designated tourist areas).
Please note: Quebec will also have a statutory holiday on June 24 for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Saint-Jean Baptiste-Day is a retail closing day for most retailers. Please see https://www.retailcouncil.org/a-reminder-about-store-hours-on-june-24-and-july-1st-in-quebec/
Ontario:
Canada Day is July 1, unless July 1 falls on a Sunday, in which case the public holiday is July 2 by virtue of the federal Holidays Act, RSC 1985.
In Ontario, many retailers will be closed on Canada Day; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction which can be viewed on RCC’s website at: https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/holiday-store-hours/
Manitoba:
In Manitoba, Canada Day is a retail closing day for most retailers.
British Columbia / Alberta / Saskatchewan:
In British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, retailers are allowed to open on Canada Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.
Territories:
In the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, retailers are allowed to open on Canada Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.
Please note: the Northwest Territories will also have a statutory holiday on June 21 for National Aboriginal Day. Retailers are allowed to open on National Aboriginal Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.
