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Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in military service. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and silence — known as Remembrance Day. 🗓️ Is Remembrance Day a Public Holiday?
In 2025, Remembrance Day will be a statutory holiday in seven provinces and three territories. In Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, it’s marked as an observance rather than a full paid holiday.
That means many workplaces and schools in those provinces remain open, but still hold ceremonies or moments of silence to honour the day.
What Happens on Remembrance Day?
You’ll probably start noticing people wearing red poppies on their coats and jackets in the weeks leading up to November 11. The poppy is one of the most recognizable symbols of remembrance — representing the blood shed and the courage shown by those who served.
Some people also wear white poppies, which symbolize peace and promote non-military approaches to resolving conflict.
At 11:00 a.m., Canada falls silent for two minutes to honour those who lost their lives in war. Church services and ceremonies are held across the country, often featuring:
Over the years, visitors have left thousands of poppies, letters, and photos at the site — quiet reminders of how deeply this day still touches Canadians.
Across the country, schools and communities hold their own observances, assemblies, and discussions about peace and history.
What’s Open and What’s Closed?
While Remembrance Day is listed in the federal Holidays Act, not all provinces recognize it as a paid statutory holiday. Here’s how it works in a few regions: Manitoba
Most retail businesses must close between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., except for essential services such as healthcare, accommodation, restaurants, fuel, and emergency vehicle repairs.
Even though it’s not a “general holiday” under labour laws, many industries pause operations to honour the day. Ontario
In Ontario, Remembrance Day isn’t a statutory holiday. Some employers voluntarily give staff the day off, but it’s not required under the Employment Standards Act. Quebec
Quebec also treats Remembrance Day as an observance. Federally regulated workplaces may still close, and if the date falls on a weekend, employees usually receive a paid day off immediately before or after. Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, the Remembrance Day Act outlines who gets the day off. Employees who must work on November 11 are given another paid day off later. For those not working, pay depends on the employer’s policy. The key rule: the observance must happen on the actual date — November 11.
The History Behind Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day marks the end of World War I hostilities, which officially ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The war claimed millions of lives, leaving behind deep emotional and social scars. Canadian troops played a major role in supporting Allied forces, and their bravery is remembered to this day.
Initially known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed Remembrance Day to honour all who served — not just those from the First World War, but also those who fought in later conflicts.
Canada’s ceremony mirrors similar observances around the world — like Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom.
Symbols of Remembrance
The poppy remains the most enduring symbol of Remembrance Day, inspired by Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
The red petals remind us of the blood shed on battlefields, while the flower’s ability to grow in disturbed soil became a powerful metaphor for resilience and renewal.
Some choose to wear white poppies to promote peace, but the spirit remains the same — remembering those lost and hoping for a world without war.
Other symbols include local war memorials, military parades, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa — all of which serve as reminders of sacrifice and unity.
In Closing
Remembrance Day isn’t just a day off work or school. It’s a national moment to pause, remember, and reflect — on courage, on loss, and on the hope for peace.
Whether you’re laying a wreath, wearing a poppy, or standing silently at 11 a.m., you’re part of a collective act of remembrance that spans generations.
In 2025, Remembrance Day will be a statutory holiday in seven provinces and three territories. In Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, it’s marked as an observance rather than a full paid holiday.
That means many workplaces and schools in those provinces remain open, but still hold ceremonies or moments of silence to honour the day.
What Happens on Remembrance Day?
You’ll probably start noticing people wearing red poppies on their coats and jackets in the weeks leading up to November 11. The poppy is one of the most recognizable symbols of remembrance — representing the blood shed and the courage shown by those who served.
Some people also wear white poppies, which symbolize peace and promote non-military approaches to resolving conflict.
At 11:00 a.m., Canada falls silent for two minutes to honour those who lost their lives in war. Church services and ceremonies are held across the country, often featuring:
- The playing of “The Last Post”,
- A reading from the Ode of Remembrance, and
- Wreath-laying ceremonies at local war memorials.
Over the years, visitors have left thousands of poppies, letters, and photos at the site — quiet reminders of how deeply this day still touches Canadians.
Across the country, schools and communities hold their own observances, assemblies, and discussions about peace and history.
What’s Open and What’s Closed?
While Remembrance Day is listed in the federal Holidays Act, not all provinces recognize it as a paid statutory holiday. Here’s how it works in a few regions: Manitoba
Most retail businesses must close between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., except for essential services such as healthcare, accommodation, restaurants, fuel, and emergency vehicle repairs.
Even though it’s not a “general holiday” under labour laws, many industries pause operations to honour the day. Ontario
In Ontario, Remembrance Day isn’t a statutory holiday. Some employers voluntarily give staff the day off, but it’s not required under the Employment Standards Act. Quebec
Quebec also treats Remembrance Day as an observance. Federally regulated workplaces may still close, and if the date falls on a weekend, employees usually receive a paid day off immediately before or after. Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, the Remembrance Day Act outlines who gets the day off. Employees who must work on November 11 are given another paid day off later. For those not working, pay depends on the employer’s policy. The key rule: the observance must happen on the actual date — November 11.
The History Behind Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day marks the end of World War I hostilities, which officially ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The war claimed millions of lives, leaving behind deep emotional and social scars. Canadian troops played a major role in supporting Allied forces, and their bravery is remembered to this day.
Initially known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed Remembrance Day to honour all who served — not just those from the First World War, but also those who fought in later conflicts.
Canada’s ceremony mirrors similar observances around the world — like Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom.
Symbols of Remembrance
The poppy remains the most enduring symbol of Remembrance Day, inspired by Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
The red petals remind us of the blood shed on battlefields, while the flower’s ability to grow in disturbed soil became a powerful metaphor for resilience and renewal.
Some choose to wear white poppies to promote peace, but the spirit remains the same — remembering those lost and hoping for a world without war.
Other symbols include local war memorials, military parades, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa — all of which serve as reminders of sacrifice and unity.
In Closing
Remembrance Day isn’t just a day off work or school. It’s a national moment to pause, remember, and reflect — on courage, on loss, and on the hope for peace.
Whether you’re laying a wreath, wearing a poppy, or standing silently at 11 a.m., you’re part of a collective act of remembrance that spans generations.