Stat Holidays › Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has 6 statutory holidays in 2026: the paid public holidays employers must give under Nova Scotia employment standards law. The next one is Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026 (in 83 days).
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Nova Scotia stat holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day January 1 | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Passed |
| Nova Scotia Heritage Day third Monday in February | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Passed |
| Good Friday Friday before Easter | Friday, April 3, 2026 | Passed |
| Canada Day July 1 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Passed |
| Labour Day first Monday in September | Monday, September 7, 2026 | Passed |
| Christmas Day December 25 | Friday, December 25, 2026 | Next |
Nova Scotia stat holidays 2027
| Holiday | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day January 1 | Friday, January 1, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Nova Scotia Heritage Day third Monday in February | Monday, February 15, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Good Friday Friday before Easter | Friday, March 26, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Canada Day July 1 | Thursday, July 1, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Labour Day first Monday in September | Monday, September 6, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Christmas Day December 25 | Saturday, December 25, 2027 | Upcoming |
Not statutory holidays in Nova Scotia
These days are holidays somewhere in Canada, or for some employers, but not under Nova Scotia employment standards law:
- Victoria Day (May 18, 2026): Not a paid holiday unless your employer agrees to give it.
- Natal Day (August 3, 2026): Not a paid holiday unless your employer agrees to give it.
- Remembrance Day (November 11, 2026): Covered by Nova Scotia's separate Remembrance Day Act, not the Labour Standards Code; some employees may be entitled to a benefit.
What if a stat holiday falls on a weekend?
The dates above are the calendar dates. When a statutory holiday lands on a day an employee doesn’t normally work, such as a Saturday or Sunday, Nova Scotia employment standards law sets what they’re owed, usually a substitute paid day off or holiday pay. Rules on who qualifies and how holiday pay is calculated also differ by province, so check the official guide below for the exact rule.
Source: Nova Scotia: Holiday and retail closing day charts. Dates calculated from the holiday rules in law; list checked October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many stat holidays are there in Nova Scotia in 2026?
6: New Year's Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day.
When is the next stat holiday in Nova Scotia?
Christmas Day, on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Is Victoria Day a stat holiday in Nova Scotia?
No. Not a paid holiday unless your employer agrees to give it.
Is Natal Day a stat holiday in Nova Scotia?
No. Not a paid holiday unless your employer agrees to give it.
Is Remembrance Day a stat holiday in Nova Scotia?
No. Covered by Nova Scotia's separate Remembrance Day Act, not the Labour Standards Code; some employees may be entitled to a benefit.
Are stat holidays the same across Canada?
No. Each province and territory sets its own list under its employment standards law, and federally regulated workplaces follow the Canada Labour Code. Only New Year's Day, Good Friday (Good Friday or Easter Monday in Quebec), Canada Day (Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador), Labour Day and Christmas Day are statutory everywhere.
Stat holidays in other provinces and territories
Compare every province and territory →
Also on Canadian Business News: government benefit payment dates (CPP, OAS, Canada Child Benefit and more).