Good Friday, Easter Sunday Retail Hours

Good Friday is a statutory holiday in all provinces, except Quebec. Easter Sunday is a retail closing day in Quebec, Nova Scotia as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following is a brief overview of retail business regulations from across the country, as related to Easter and good Friday holidays.

Since there are exceptions to Good Friday and Easter Sunday 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.

In provinces where there are no regulations related to holiday 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 Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador, Good Friday is a statutory holiday and a retail closing day.

In Nova Scotia as well as Newfoundland and Labrador, Easter Sunday is a retail closing day for most retailers.

Quebec:
In Quebec, Easter Sunday is a retail closing day for most retailers; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction.

Employees are entitled to an indemnity or a compensatory leave on Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer’s choice.

Ontario:
In Ontario, many retailers will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction.

Manitoba:
In Manitoba, many retailers will be closed on Good Friday; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction.

British Columbia / Alberta / Saskatchewan:
In British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, retailers are allowed to open on Good Friday 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 Good Friday as long as they pay their employees according to the law.