On Mon. Aug. 3, Nova Scotians celebrate Natal Day – a day off with pay for the lucky 28% of workers who are represented by a trade union.  However it’s likely a normal work day for the rest of us. 

The government differentiates Natal Day, a civic holiday, from a statutory holiday– such as Labour Day.  There are only 6 statutory holidays in NS throughout the year – we tie with Newfoundland and Labrador for the lowest number of paid days off work. 

Stores and businesses open are on Natal Day.  If your boss wants you to work, you must work.  And you will work for your regular pay; there is usually no premium paid for work on Natal Day. 

Everything’s open, but if you work there’s no extra pay …

For the next paid day off work, you will have to wait till Labour Day, Mon. Sept. 7. If you want to get a paid holiday on Natal Day next year, please contact me to find out how to organize a union. 

How the rest of the country lives: PAID HOLIDAYS PER PROVINCE, PER YEAR

BC	10
AB	9
SK	10
MB	8
ON	9
QC	8
NB	8
PEI	8
NF & LBR	6

Featured picture above: A Meeting of the School Trustees by Robert Harris (1885); courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. I published this painting for Larry; it’s one of his favourites. Harris was raised in PEI, but lived his adult years in Montreal.