Should Alberta Workers Be Able to Swap Statutory Holidays for Cultural Holidays?
Official title: General holiday flexibility engagement
Alberta is asking whether employees should be able to swap statutory holidays like Thanksgiving for cultural or religious holidays that matter more to them. Right now, the province has 9 fixed general holidays. The government is considering two options: change the law to allow swaps with employer consent, or just encourage employers to use flexibility they already have.
Why This Matters
Celebrate Diwali, Eid, or Lunar New Year? You might have to use vacation days while coworkers get Christmas off automatically. This could let you swap a statutory holiday for one that actually matters to your family. It's about making Alberta's workplaces work for everyone.
What Could Change
Alberta's Employment Standards Code could be amended to let employees swap general holidays for cultural ones—with their employer's agreement. Alternatively, the government might just launch an awareness campaign about existing flexibility options. Either way, no new holidays would be added.
Key Issues
- Should the Employment Standards Code be amended to allow holiday substitutions?
- How do workplaces currently handle cultural holiday requests?
- What are the implications of each approach for employers and employees?
How to Participate
- Review the current general holiday rules to understand what's being proposed.
- Take the survey by December 19, 2025 to share your views on holiday flexibility.
- Have questions? Email jet.review@gov.ab.ca to connect with the engagement team.