Labour Day Retail Hours

Labour Day is a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories.

The following is a brief overview of retail business regulations from across the country, as related to Labour Day. Additional information on retail closing days can be found here.

Since there are exceptions to Labour 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 Labour 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, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, Labour Day is a retail closing day for most retailers.

Quebec:

In Quebec, Labour Day is a retail closing day for most retailers (certain exceptions exist, e.g. small-surface grocers and pharmacies, etc.) More information can be found in the following regulations:

• Act respecting hours and days of admission to commercial establishments
• Regulation respecting periods of admission to commercial establishments

Ontario

In Ontario, many retailers will be closed on Labour Day; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction which can be viewed here.

Manitoba:

In Manitoba, Labour 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 Labour 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 Labour Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.

Additional information on retail closing days can be found here.