1. Public holiday reminders
- Tuesday December 25, 2012: Christmas Day, public holiday across Canada : Employees get a day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the province or territory of employment). If the employee is required to work on the holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages and get a substituted day off with pay at a later date (depending on the province or territory of employment).
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, their Messiah, who they regard as the Son of God. The Christian tradition sees the conception and birth of Jesus as divine events. The festival involves spending time praying and giving thanks in church, and sharing special meals and gifts with family and friends.
- Wednesday December 26, 2012: Boxing Day, public holiday in Ontario and federally regulated workplaces: Employees get a day off with holiday pay. If the employee is required to work on the holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages or public holiday pay and get a substituted day off with pay at a later date (depending on the jurisdiction).
Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it’s name, “Boxing Day”.
- Tuesday January 1, 2013, New Years Day, public holiday: Employees get a day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the province or territory of employment). If the employee is required to work on the holiday, the employee must be paid regular wages and/or premium pay and/or get a substituted day off with pay at a later date (depending on the province or territory of employment).
Please remember, there are variations and exemptions and the above information is not meant to go into details, they are just reminders. For specific requirements for your jurisdiction (province or territory), consult the Library section of HRinfodesk and/or The Human Resources Advisor, Ontario, Western or Atlantic Editions.
2. Season’s greetings and holiday break
The team at First Reference Inc. and First Reference Talks blog wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday Season and all the best for the New Year!/L’Équipe de La Référence et du billet First Reference Talks vous souhaite de belles fêtes et une bonne et heureuse année.
We will be taking a break for the holidays. Please note that we will not be blogging during the Holiday Season from December 21, 2012, at noon to January 1, 2013, inclusive. We will resume blogging on Wednesday January 2, 2013.
In the spirit of giving, First Reference Inc. has made a donation to charitywater.org, the non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Please view our holiday card to you here, and learn more about charitywater.org.
Happy Holidays to all and see you in the new year!
Yosie Saint-Cyr
First Reference Human Resources and Compliance Managing Editor
Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor
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