Manitoba Labour and Immigration reminds Manitobans that Louis Riel Day was first marked in 2008 and is the province’s eighth general holiday.
Employees are entitled to general holiday pay calculated at five per cent of the gross wages earned in the 28 days prior to the holiday. Most employees who work on the day are also entitled to 1.5 times their regular wage rate for the hours worked. In communities with a Sunday and holiday shopping bylaw, retail stores can be open from 9am to 6pm.
Schools in Manitoba were asked to submit one name that would be of relevance to Manitoba with reference to citizenship, history, culture, the arts, sports or a significant individual. Eleven schools submitted the name Louis Riel Day. Riel was a passionate Métis leader and the driving force behind Manitoba becoming Canada’s fifth province.
More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards.
