On March 13, 2026, the Ontario government announced a proposal to permit retail businesses to open on Family Day and Victoria Day, as outlined in the National Payroll Institute’s post on March 24. The proposal has now been enacted through Bill 97.
The legislation received royal assent on April 24, 2026, and is now in force. Municipal by-laws can no longer require retail businesses to close on these holidays, and Victoria Day has been removed from the restricted retail holiday provisions.
These changes do not impact public holiday entitlements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). Eligible employees who work on these holidays must continue to receive public holiday pay and, where applicable, premium pay. Employees also retain the right to refuse work, subject to ESA provisions.
Ontario retail employers should:
- Review and adjust scheduling and staffing plans.
- Ensure payroll systems accurately calculate public holiday pay and applicable premium pay; and
- Communicate clearly with employees regarding holiday work expectations, rights, and compensation.