Ontario proposes allowing retail stores to open on Family Day and Victoria Day
Posted March 13, 2026
The Ontario government is proposing changes that would allow retail stores across the province to open on Family Day and Victoria Day, while preserving workers’ rights to decline shifts and receive premium pay if they choose to work.
The proposal, announced Friday, is part of the province’s broader effort to support businesses and workers while giving families more flexibility and convenience when shopping on those holidays.
Under the plan, retail establishments would be permitted — but not required — to open on the two statutory holidays. Eligible employees who agree to work would receive time-and-a-half premium pay in addition to their full public holiday pay, according to the province.
“By giving retailers the option to open on Family Day and Victoria Day, we are supporting employees and businesses while giving families more choice and convenience to shop at their local retail stores,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
Crawford said the changes would allow employees who want additional hours to pick up shifts at higher pay while maintaining their right to take the day off.
Family Day and Victoria Day are non-religious statutory holidays observed across Ontario, which the government says makes them suitable for a standardized retail framework.
If approved, the proposal would apply only to those two holidays and would leave existing worker protections intact under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. Those protections include public holiday pay, premium pay for those who work, and the right for many retail employees to refuse work on a public holiday.
Currently, retail holiday rules vary widely across municipalities, creating what the province describes as a patchwork system for both businesses and consumers.
In some municipalities, including in New Tecumseth due to a years-old tourism designation, stores are allowed to open on certain holidays, while nearby jurisdictions require them to remain closed. Provincial officials say the differences can create uneven opportunities for workers.
For example, a retail employee in York Region may be able to accept a time-and-a-half shift on a holiday, while a similar worker in neighbouring Peel Region may not have that option because local rules require stores to close.
The government says standardizing the rules for Family Day and Victoria Day would create a more consistent approach across the province while expanding options for both workers and shoppers.
“Exploring a consistent, province-wide approach for retailers on Family Day and Victoria Day would give businesses greater flexibility while respecting the choice of workers,” said Labour Minister David Piccini.
Piccini said the government believes labour and retail rules should evolve with changing consumer habits.
“As Ontario continues to grow, it’s important our rules keep pace with how people live, work and shop today,” he said. “Our government will continue protecting workers while strengthening Ontario’s economic resilience and productivity so businesses can thrive, invest and create more opportunities for workers across the province.”
