Thanksgiving Day 2023
Do you get the day off?
Federally regulated jobsBanks, airlines, telecoms, federal offices — off nationwide
NB · NL · NS · PENot a statutory holiday — many employers still close
- The date, and why
- Canadian Thanksgiving 2023 falls on Monday, October 9 — the second Monday of October. This creates a 3-day long weekend (Saturday, October 7 through Monday, October 9).
- What kind of holiday
- Thanksgiving is a general holiday under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated employees, and a provincial statutory holiday in most provinces and territories. It is not a paid public holiday for provincially regulated employers in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island. In 2023 it falls on the second Monday of October.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Federally regulated jobs (banks, airlines, telecoms, federal offices) are off nationwide. Thanksgiving is provincial statutory in AB, BC, MB, NT, NU, ON, QC, SK, and YT. In NB, NL, NS, and PE, provincially regulated employers are not required to give the day off. In NL, many shops close under the Shops' Closing Act — that is not paid holiday pay under the Labour Standards Act.
- Long weekend
- October 2023 calendar: Sat Oct 7 – Sun Oct 8 – Mon Oct 9 (Thanksgiving). A popular weekend for visiting family and enjoying fall foliage across the country.
- What closes
- Federal offices, banks, and schools close. Many businesses close or operate with reduced hours. Grocery stores typically close or have limited hours on Thanksgiving Monday.
- Where the name comes from
- Canadian Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest season and dates back to 1578, when explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony of thanks. Traditions include turkey dinner, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings. US Thanksgiving 2023 is Thursday, November 23 — more than a month later.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Canadian Thanksgiving 2023?
- Canadian Thanksgiving 2023 is Monday, October 9 — the second Monday of October, creating a 3-day long weekend (October 7–October 9). 2024 is Monday, October 14.
- When is US Thanksgiving 2023 vs Canadian Thanksgiving?
- Canadian Thanksgiving 2023 is Monday, October 9. US Thanksgiving 2023 is Thursday, November 23 — the fourth Thursday of November, more than a month later.
- Is Thanksgiving a statutory holiday in Canada?
- Yes for federally regulated employees under the Canada Labour Code, and yes in most provinces. In New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, provincially regulated employers are not required to give the day off, though many do.
- Is Thanksgiving a paid public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- No. The Labour Standards Act (RSNL1990 c L-2 s.14) lists six paid public holidays — New Year's Day, Good Friday, Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day — and does not include Thanksgiving. Federally regulated employees in NL still get the day under the Canada Labour Code. Many shops close under the Shops' Closing Act; that is not a paid-holiday entitlement.
- Is Canadian Thanksgiving the same as US Thanksgiving?
- No. Canadian Thanksgiving is the second Monday of October. US Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November. They are separate holidays with different dates and traditions.
- Is Thanksgiving a statutory holiday in Ontario?
- Yes. Thanksgiving is one of Ontario's 9 public holidays under the Employment Standards Act. Employees are entitled to the day off with public holiday pay, or premium pay plus a substitute day if they work.
Read from Canada Labour Code — General Holidays (ESDC) · Last checked · Report a wrong date → · About