As summer draws to a close, there’s one final hurrah that Albertans look forward to every year: Labour Day! It’s not just another long weekend—it’s a day steeped in history, a tribute to the hard-working folks who’ve built and continue to build this province. Whether you plan to spend it with family at a local parade or enjoy a well-deserved break, Labor Day 2025 will be a celebration that brings together the workforce’s past, present, and future. So, let’s dive into the story behind this cherished holiday and see how Albertans make the most of it.
All About Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a statutory public holiday across Canada, and it’s one of many Labour Day celebrations held worldwide. But what makes this day so special? Let’s take a look back at its roots.
A Quick Trip Through History
Since 1894, Labour Day has been an official public holiday in Canada. However, its origins date even further to local demonstrations and celebrations decades earlier. One of the pivotal moments came in 1872 when a significant labor demonstration in Toronto, held in support of striking printers, led to the enactment of the Trade Unions Act. This law was a game-changer, as it finally legalized unions in Canada, giving workers a collective voice.
Fast forward a decade to July 22, 1882—Toronto hosted a massive labor celebration which quickly gained momentum.
Celebrations began popping up in various Canadian cities, including Hamilton, Oshawa, St. Catharines, Ottawa, London, Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver. Montreal even declared a civic holiday in 1889 to honor the occasion.
The same year, a Royal Commission in Canada recommended that the federal government officially recognize “Labour Day.” By spring 1894, unions were lobbying Parliament to make it a public holiday. Prime Minister John Sparrow David Thompson introduced the necessary legislation in May, and by July 1894, Labour Day was officially on the calendar.
Labour Day 2025 in Alberta: A Unique Celebration
In Alberta, Labour Day is more than just a day off—it’s a time to celebrate the province’s rich hard work and resilience history. Communities across the province host various events, from vibrant parades in cities like Calgary and Edmonton to community picnics and fairs in smaller towns. It’s a day for Albertans to come together, enjoy the fruits of their labor, and reflect on the contributions of workers past and present.
For many, it’s also the perfect time to explore Alberta’s natural beauty. Whether it’s a final summer camping trip in Banff or a leisurely hike in Jasper, Labour Day offers Albertans a chance to soak in the last bit of summer sunshine before autumn.
Alberta Employees & Labour Day
In most cases, employees get the following Monday off if a statutory holiday in Alberta falls on a weekend. However, if employees are required to work, they are eligible for holiday pay on Labour Day if they meet one of the following conditions:
- The holiday falls on a regular workday for them.
- They work on the holiday, even if it’s not a regular workday.
However, an employee is not eligible for holiday pay if:
- They have worked fewer than 30 days in the 12 months leading up to the holiday.
- They are scheduled to work on the holiday but do not show up.
- They may miss work without their employer’s permission on the last scheduled day before the holiday or the first scheduled day after the holiday.
These rules apply whether the business is open or closed on the holiday, ensuring employees’ rights are protected while recognizing their contributions to the workforce.
FAQs
When is Labour Day 2025 in Alberta?
Labour Day in 2024 falls on Monday, September 1st. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect, and enjoy time with family and friends.
What stores are open on Labor Day in Alberta?
Here’s a list of stores and malls that are likely to operate on Labor Day in Alberta:
Edmonton
- West Edmonton Mall
- Kingsway
- Southgate Centre
- Edmonton City Centre malls
- Grocery and liquor stores
Calgary
- Southcentre Mall
- CrossIron Mills
- CF Chinook Centre
- CF Market Mall
- The CORE Shopping Centre
- Grocery and liquor stores
What is open on Labor Day?
Apart from the stores present in the malls (listed above), these places are likely to be opened on Labour Day:
Edmonton
- Landmark Cinemas and Cineplex locations
- Landfill
- All Edmonton-owned golf courses, including Riverside, Rundle Park and Victoria Park
- Telus World of Science
- Fort Edmonton Park
- Most museums, including the Royal Alberta Museum and Alberta Aviation Museum
- U of C Botanic Garden
- ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre
- Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre
- Clareview Community Recreation Centre
- Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre
- Confederation Leisure Centre
- Dr. Anne Anderson Community Centre
- Eastglen Leisure Centre
- Grand Trunk Fitness and Leisure Centre
- Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre
- Jasper Place Leisure Centre
- Kinsmen Sports Centre
- Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre
- The Meadows Community Recreation Centre
- Mill Woods Recreation Centre
Calgary
- Landfill
- The Calgary Zoo
- Calgary-owned golf courses
- Calaway Park
- Grocery and liquor stores
- The Calgary Tower
- Telus Spark
- Heritage Park
- Calgary Transit
That brings an end to our guide to Labour Day. As you can see, Labour Day in Alberta is more than just a day off—it’s a celebration of the spirit, hard work, and history that have shaped this province. But Labour Day is just one of many statutory holidays that Albertans look forward to each year. To ensure you don’t miss out on any upcoming holidays, check out our comprehensive guide on stat holidays 2025 in Alberta.
Explore, discover, and celebrate Alberta with us!
Wish you a happy labour day 2025!
