Statutory holidays in Nova Scotia

Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, Boxing Day and Remembrance Day are not statutory holidays. Boxing Day is a public holiday when shops are normally closed.

Remembrance Day, although not a statutory holiday, is defined under the province's Remembrance Day Act as a holiday where employers have the option of giving Remembrance Day or an alternate day off.

Natal Day - First Monday in August is also not a holiday but commonly a day off.

In 2015 Heritage Day was observed as Viola Desmond Day, observed on February 16th.

In 2016 Heritage Day is Joseph Howe day on the 3rd Monday in February, which is February 15, 2016.

In 2017 it will be Mi'kmaq Heritage Day and in 2018 Mona Louise Parsons Day.

Canada Day rules stay on July 1 in NS, even when it falls on a Sunday: Holiday pay and retail closing rules apply on July 1, 2018. The Labour Standards Code gives employees who qualify six holidays with pay: New Year's Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. Holiday pay rules explained. A separate law covers Remembrance Day.

List of all national and provincial holidays in Canada.