Canada Day 2012 - Monday July 2

In Nova Scotia, “Canada Day” is one of the five general holidays listed under the Labour Standards Code.  General holidays are holidays with pay for employees who qualify.  It is also a retail closing day under the Retail Business Designated Day Closing Act.  Many retail businesses are prohibited from opening on Canada Day.  Employees in such businesses have the right to refuse to work on that day if called into work while the store is closed.

Why is Canada Day Monday July 2 this year?

When July 1 falls on a Sunday, as it does this year in 2012, Canada Day is observed on Monday July 2 according to the Federal Holidays Act.  This means that employers in Nova Scotia must treat July 2, 2012 as the general holiday and the retail closing day.

For more information on general holidays, retail closing days and the right to refuse to work please see our Guide to the Code or contact Labour Standards.