General Holiday Flexibility

The Government of Alberta is gathering feedback on how to make it easier for Albertans to observe major cultural holidays. 

Alberta’s Employment Standards Code establishes minimum standards for most employment relationships in the province, including rules for general holidays (sometimes called “statutory holidays”). There are nine general holidays in Alberta: 

On a general holiday, eligible employees are entitled to general holiday pay. Employers can choose to designate other days as general holidays for employees in addition to the nine listed (common examples include Easter Monday, Boxing Day). For more information on general holidays and general holiday pay, please visit: www.alberta.ca/alberta-general-holidays.  

The Government of Alberta has reviewed models from other jurisdictions to find ways for Alberta’s cultural community members to more easily observe major holidays, without placing undue hardship or expense on Alberta businesses. 

Feedback is being sought on two potential approaches to increase general holiday flexibility. Your input will be used to help determine the viability of these options by understanding how workplaces currently operate with respect to general holidays, as well as the implications of each approach on employers and employees.  

Note: this survey is limited to obtaining feedback on general holiday flexibility options. Other aspects of general holiday rules, such as eligibility criteria and calculation methods, are not addressed. 

The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and closes October 1, 2025