Every November 11, Remembrance Day commemorates the end of the First World War in 1918. For some people, it is a public holiday. For others, it's a day at work like any other. Why such a difference?
Previously called Armistice Day, November 11 was first created to pay tribute to all the people who defended Canada during the First World War.
During this conflict, nearly 65,000 Canadians died in combat and another 172,000 were injured. Several ceremonies pay tribute to them in Quebec as in the other provinces. This day is symbolized by the red poppy, a flower chosen because it grew on soils decimated by bombings during the war.
Is it a public holiday?
The answer to this question depends on your workplace. Memorial Day is a statutory holiday for people who work in businesses governed by federal regulations. This is because these people are subject to Canada Labor Code, federal regulations and not to Labor Standards Act, provincial regulations.
Among these companies, we find in particular:
- radio stations,
- the telecommunications sector,
- banks,
- the post office,
- uranium mining and processing companies,
- the nuclear energy industry,
- transport between provinces or internationally by boat, train or plane.
Persons employed by companies subject to Canada Labor Code are entitled to substantially the same leave as that provided for by the Labor Standards Act. But in addition to this leave, they are entitled to additional leave on Remembrance Day, Boxing Day (December 26) and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which takes place on September 30.
Even if your workplace does not meet federal regulations, your employer can provide for such leave through an internal policy or collective agreement.
