Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Proposing Harmonized Retail Framework for Family Day and Victoria Day
Date: March 16, 2026
Currently, municipalities can require businesses to close on Family Day and Victoria Day. On March 13, 2026, Ontario announced that it is proposing to take that authority away from municipalities. The province has stated that it is aiming to have this in place in time for Victoria Day 2026, which falls on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Under this approach, on Family Day and Victoria Day only, both non-religious, statutory holidays observed in Ontario, retail businesses would have the option of staying open to serve consumers and families. Employee rights under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) would remain in place: eligible retail employees who choose to work would earn time-and-a-half premium pay, and full public holiday pay; however, they would also have the right to refuse to work.
Family Day and Victoria Day would no longer be subject to the Retail Business Holidays Act, and municipalities would lose their authority to require retail businesses to close on Family Day and Victoria Day. On all other public holidays, the province and municipalities would have the authority to require retail businesses to close.
Family Day and Victoria Day would remain public holidays under the ESA.
Only Ontario’s news release announcing its proposed plan is currently available. No laws or regulations have been enacted at this time.
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