Updated Nov. 11, 2026, at 20:17 UTC (3:17 p.m. EST in Ottawa). Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year. Whether you get the day off, receive holiday pay, or find stores closed depends on where you work and live: it is a general holiday for federally regulated employees and a statutory holiday in some provinces, but not a uniform nationwide day off for every worker or business. Check your employer’s policy and local opening hours before making plans. The CRA lists Nov. 11 as Remembrance Day in 2026.
Current National Defence notices confirm that the national ceremony will take place at Ottawa’s National War Memorial, with about 300 Royal Military College of Canada cadets in the parade contingent. The Royal Canadian Air Force has also announced flypasts for ceremonies in several communities. These are details about this year’s observances; they do not change local employment or store-closure rules.
There is no single answer that applies to everyone in Canada. The governing rules depend on whether a job is federally or provincially regulated, the province or territory where the work is performed, and sometimes an employment contract or collective agreement. Banks, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation and federal public service work are examples of areas that may fall under federal jurisdiction; many other jobs are provincially regulated. If unsure, ask your employer which employment standards rules cover your role.
For federally regulated employees, Remembrance Day is one of the general holidays under the Canada Labour Code holiday rules. Those rules generally provide a paid day off, with specific provisions for employees required to work and for holidays falling on a non-working day. Eligibility, pay calculations and substitute days can depend on the circumstances, so use the federal guidance or ask your workplace’s payroll or human resources team.
Provincial rules can be quite different. Alberta includes Nov. 11 among its general holidays, subject to eligibility rules. British Columbia also lists Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday. In Ontario, however, it is not one of the nine public holidays under the Employment Standards Act, and employers are not required by that law to give most employees the day off. Employers may still provide a day off or other arrangements under workplace policy or an agreement. See the current official guidance for Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.
Do not assume that every business will be closed—or open—across Canada. In Manitoba, Remembrance Day is not a general employment standards holiday, but most retail businesses cannot open to customers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; limited categories, such as certain health services and pharmacies, are exempt. Municipal rules may also affect hours. Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2026 public notice lists Nov. 11 among the holidays when shops covered by the Shops Closing Act must close, subject to exemptions. Other provinces and municipalities have their own laws and exceptions.
Public services can also follow separate schedules. Schools, municipal facilities, transit, libraries, clinics and government offices may close, run reduced service or maintain regular operations. Some employers and community organizations hold ceremonies during the workday. Check the relevant organization’s official notice and your transit provider’s service alerts. For shopping or appointments, verify the specific location’s hours directly rather than relying on a general holiday label.
Find a ceremony through your local municipality or Royal Canadian Legion branch, then check the event’s location, access arrangements and schedule before travelling. The Legion’s 2026 Poppy Campaign runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 11. Poppies are distributed freely, and donations are accepted to support veterans and their families through the campaign’s funds.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, many Canadians observe two minutes of silence. The exact local ceremony time can vary, so follow the organizer’s posted schedule; if you cannot attend, you can pause wherever you are. You can also listen to a ceremony broadcast, visit a cenotaph respectfully, learn about a local veteran’s service, or share family and community histories with younger relatives. These small actions let people participate whether or not the day is a paid holiday for them.
For workers, confirm whether your job is federally or provincially regulated, whether Nov. 11 is a holiday under the rules that apply, and what your employer expects if you are scheduled to work. Ask how holiday pay or a substitute day is handled in your case. For households, confirm school, childcare, transit and appointment schedules, and check store hours close to home. This year’s date and announced national ceremony details are confirmed; business hours, staffing and local event arrangements remain specific to each provider.
Not under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act for most employees. An employer may still offer the day off through workplace policy or an agreement.
It depends on provincial and local rules. Manitoba restricts most retail businesses from opening between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; check your local rules and the store’s own hours.
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Many Canadians observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.; confirm the schedule of any ceremony you plan to attend.
The ATO has contacted about 26,500 Australians over unusual tax deductions. Learn what the letters mean, what records matter, and when to respond.
Why Houston beat Golden State 115–108: Sengun’s interior impact, Curry’s early exit, rebounding and the roster adjustments that shaped the matchup.
UKHSA issues yellow cold-health alerts for North West England and the West Midlands, Nov. 12–14. Met Office explains why the polar vortex is not the cause.
ITV's David Walliams: Power and Silence draws scrutiny of celebrity power, archival TV jokes and industry accountability. What is verified as of November 12.
NAB has entered an enforceable undertaking with Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman over long-running underpayments. Here’s what the agreement means and what it requires next.
Full game highlights of Rockets vs Warriors (115-108) along with breaking news and official updates on Stephen Curry's right abdominal injury and MRI outlook.
A clear timeline of Prince William and Prince Harry’s royal rift, the issues behind it and what Harry’s latest call for reconciliation means.
National Australia Bank signs a Fair Work Ombudsman enforceable undertaking over $169M in wage remediation affecting 65,999 staff. Here is what employees must do.
NAB’s Fair Work Ombudsman undertaking covers 65,999 workers and A$170 million in wages, interest and super, with payroll audits and new executive oversight.
Missing 17-year-old camper William was found alive near Walhalla, Victoria, after a six-day search by Victoria Police Air Wing and emergency crews.
