“Are the stores and shopping malls in Canada open on Labour Day?” That’s a tricky question. Unlike Labor Day in the States where practically everything is open, provincial law dictates whether or not businesses may open on Monday, September 1. Stores and malls are allowed to open in some provinces while required to remain closed on Labour Day in others. Additionally, some cities and municipalities have special rules. For instance, retailers are generally not allowed to open in Manitoba unless they are located in Winnipeg. But only on some holidays. Are you confused? Me, too! Keep reading as I try to sort this all out for you.
I am by no means an expert on this. But here are the rules as I understand them and to the best of my knowledge:
ALBERTA: There are no laws in Alberta which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Alberta will be OPEN on Labour Day.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: There are no laws in British Columbia which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across British Columbia will be OPEN on Labour Day.
MANITOBA: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The exception for Winnipeg (as described above) does NOT apply on Labour Day. So, most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Manitoba will be CLOSED on Labour Day.
NEW BRUNSWICK: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, New Brunswick Day, Labour Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across New Brunswick will be CLOSED on Labour Day.
NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Memorial Day/Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Additionally, retailers in St. John’s and Harbour Grace are required to close on Regatta Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Newfoundland/Labrador will be CLOSED on Labour Day.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: There are no laws in the Northwest Territories which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across the Northwest Territories will be OPEN on Labour Day.
NOVA SCOTIA: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Nova Scotia will be CLOSED on Labour Day.
NUNAVUT: There are no laws in Nunavut which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Nunavut will be OPEN on Labour Day.
ONTARIO: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Exceptions: flower shops, gas stations, pharmacies under 7,500 square feet, and book or magazine stores with 3 or less employees and of 2,400 square feet or less. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Ontario will be CLOSED on Labour Day. Yes, this DOES include LCBO and Beer Stores, so plan ahead for the holiday!
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Islander Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across P.E.I. will be CLOSED on Labour Day. Also, don’t forget that most Prince Edward Island retailers are required by law to be closed on Sunday.
QUEBEC: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Quebec will be CLOSED on Labour Day.
SASKATCHEWAN: There are no laws in Saskatchewan which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays, providing they are normally open on Sundays. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Saskatchewan will be OPEN on Labour Day.
YUKON: There are no laws in the Yukon which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Yukon will be OPEN on Labour Day.
As always, be sure to give a friendly call to your favorite store or mall to confirm holiday holiday hours of operation before venturing out. If you know of additions or exceptions to these rules, please share with us. Happy Labour Day 2025, Canada!