Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade advises that under federal law, employers must observe Monday, July 2 as a general holiday because Canada Day falls on a Sunday this year. This affects holiday and retail business opening rules.
Regular general holiday rules apply on Monday, July 2. Most retail businesses must be closed on this day, although retail businesses that regularly operate with four or less people, including the owner, can be open.
On July 2 this year, all employees will be entitled to general holiday pay of five per cent of the gross wages earned in the 28 days prior to July 2. In addition, employers must pay employees time-and-a-half for any hours worked that day.
Other retail businesses that can open on July 2 include:
- restaurants;
- pharmacies;
- laundromats;
- boat and motor vehicle rental, repair and service shops and gasoline and related goods for motor vehicles;
- places with educational, recreational or amusement purposes;
- tourism and recreational facilities including summer resorts; and
- retailers who only sell nursery stock, flowers, garden supplies and accessories as well as those selling only fresh fruit and vegetables.
Under federal legislation, Sunday, July 1 is not considered a holiday. Retailers in municipalities with a Sunday shopping bylaw can be open the same as any other Sunday.
More information on wages for a general holiday, as well as on Sunday shopping restrictions, is available at gov.mb.ca.
