Remembrance Day 2023 Canada observed

Canada | Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon

2023 is a common year that has 365 days in total. There are 11 federal holidays and four of them fall on weekends: New Year's Day, Canada Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Remembrance Day.

The following is the list of federal holidays in Canada in 2023.

HolidayDateWeekdayNote
New Year's Day Jan 1, 2023 Sunday Federal Holiday
New Year's Day Holiday Jan 2, 2023 Monday Observed
Good Friday Apr 7, 2023 Friday Federal Holiday
Easter Monday Apr 10, 2023 Monday Federal Holiday
Victoria Day May 22, 2023 Monday Federal Holiday
Canada Day Jul 1, 2023 Saturday Federal Holiday
Canada Day Holiday Jul 3, 2023 Monday Observed
Labour Day Sep 4, 2023 Monday Federal Holiday
National Day for
Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 30, 2023 Saturday Federal Holiday
National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation Holiday
Oct 2, 2023 Monday Observed
Thanksgiving Day Oct 9, 2023 Monday Federal Holiday
Remembrance Day Nov 11, 2023 Saturday Federal Holiday
Remembrance Day Holiday Nov 13, 2023 Monday Observed
Christmas Day Dec 25, 2023 Monday Federal Holiday
Boxing Day Dec 26, 2023 Tuesday Federal Holiday

Please also check working days in Canada in 2023.

January 1, Sunday

Observed: January 2, Monday

When New Year’s Day falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday.

New Year’s Day

April 7, Friday

Good Friday

April 10, Monday

Easter Monday

May 22, Monday

Victoria Day

July 1, Saturday

Observed: July 3, Monday

When Canada Day falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday.

Canada Day

August 7, Monday

Civic Holiday

September 4, Monday

Labour Day

September 30, Saturday

Observed: October 2, Monday

When National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

October 9, Monday

Thanksgiving

November 11, Saturday

Observed: November 13, Monday

When Remembrance Day falls on a weekend, it is observed the following Monday.

Remembrance Day

December 25, Monday

Christmas Day

December 26, Tuesday

Boxing Day

Remembrance Day is observed every 11 November to honour the sacrifices of members of the Canadian military. It is an opportunity for Canadian citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of Canadian servicemen in the First World War and other conflicts.

YearDateDayHolidayProvinces and Territories
2023 11 Nov Sat Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2024 11 Nov Mon Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2025 11 Nov Tue Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2026 11 Nov Wed Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

This is a very solemn memorial holiday that serves as a reminder of the horrors of war. Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 each year. This is also the day of Armistice, the end of the First World War. Canadian citizens often show their respect for members of the military by attending various Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Ways to Observe Remembrance Day

Poppy Flowers: Wearing a poppy flower is one of the most popular ways to show support for veterans on Remembrance Day. According to tradition, the poppy is worn because it is a native flower of the area of France where the most intense fighting of the First World War occurred. Like the soldiers who perished, the poppy is extremely resilient, but it is also quite delicate.

Ceremonies: People of all ages are expected to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony that honors fallen servicemen and veterans. These ceremonies are often led by speakers of public importance. Some national ceremonies are also broadcast via radio and television. These ceremonies often have patriotic themes through flag hoisting and music.

Showing Gratitude: Canadians often use Remembrance Day to show respect for veterans. Students may write letters of gratitude to servicemen or attend patriotic lectures. Some people demonstrate their appreciation by sending care packages full of food, electronics, and luxury items to troops who are stationed overseas.

Historical background

To understood the full importance of Remembrance Day, you must know about Canada’s involvement in 20th century wars. A large number of Canadian servicemen perished due to their involvement in intense conflicts.

First World War: After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, Britain declared war on the German Empire and the Axis Powers. Because Canada was subservient to Britain at this time, Canada was also forced to enter the First World War. During the first few years of the First World War, the Canadian Expeditionary Force experienced major victories.

Some of Canada’s most successful battles were Somme, Vimy, and Passchendaele. Depsite these strategic accomplishments, Canada suffered many casualties. By the time the war ended on November 11, 1918, 59,544 Canadians were killed. In addition to these deaths, 154,361 servicemen were wounded. The First World War continued to take a psychological toll on veterans when they returned to Canada.

Second World War: Due to the major losses of Canadian life caused by the First World War, many Canadians did not want to enter the Second World War. Despite this, Canadian leaders understood the threat posed by Hitler’s fascist regime in Europe. After Hitler and his forces invaded Poland, Canada quickly declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939.

Soon after this, Canadian forces were deployed to Great Britain and Western Europe to support the Allies. Canadian forces also helped defend British colonies in Southeast Asia from the Japanese Empire. During D-Day, Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach at Normandy. Due to sheer manpower and persistence, the Canadian forces broke through the German lines and pushed deep into France.

According to historical information, Canada’s forces advanced farther than any of the other invasion parties. Canadian forces also played key roles in the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic. By the end of the Second World War, over 45,000 Canadians were killed and 55,000 Canadians were wounded.

Korean War: Soon after the conclusion of the Second World War, Canada joined the UN forces in 1951 to protect South Korea from the invading communist forces of North Korea. This decision to join the war was also part of a political decision to support the United States and Great Britain in preventing the spread of communism.

According the Western foreign policy at the time, the surrounding areas of Southeast Asia would become communist if Korea was allowed to fall. This idea became known as the Domino Theory. While Canada did not engage in as many battles as the American forces, there were still numerous Canadian casualties.

Throughout the Korean War, 516 Canadians were killed and 1,558 Canadians were wounded. While these figures are still rather large, they are relatively small when compared to the casualties of the First World War and Second World War. Due to this, many people often forget about Canada’s role in the Korean War. This has caused the Korean War to become known as the Forgotten War.

Vietnam War: Canada did not officially participate in the Vietnam War. However, over 30,000 Canadians volunteered in the American armed forces to support American efforts in Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, 132 Canadians perished or were reported missing.

Other Wars: Canada also participated in several other 20th century wars, including the First Gulf War and the Yugoslav Wars. Because of Canada’s staggering loss of life during the 20th century, Remembrance Day is observed to honour the sacrifices of members of the Canadian military.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHolidayProvinces and Territories
2022 11 Nov Fri Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2021 11 Nov Thu Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2020 11 Nov Wed Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2019 11 Nov Mon Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2018 11 Nov Sun Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except MB, NS,
ON & QC
2017 11 Nov Sat Remembrance Day Federal workers; National except Federal workers,
MB, NS, ON &
QC

Does everyone in Canada get a holiday on Remembrance Day?

Essentially, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in every province and territory except for Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and Nova Scotia.

Who gets Remembrance Day Off in Canada?

Who gets Remembrance Day off in Canada? If you live in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador, or any of the three territories, you will have the day off.

Is November 11 a stat holiday in Canada?

Remembrance Day was already recognized as a statutory holiday for federally regulated workers under the Canada Labour Code. All of the other provinces and territories – with the exception of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia – also already recognized Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday.

What days are banks closed in Canada in 2023?

December 26, 2022. Christmas Day. National holiday. ... .
December 27, 2022. Boxing Day. National holiday. ... .
January 2, 2023. New Year's Day. National holiday. ... .
January 3, 2023. Day after New Year. Provincial holiday: Quebec. ... .
February 20, 2023. Family Day. ... .
April 7, 2023. Good Friday. ... .
May 22, 2023. Victoria Day. ... .
June 26, 2023. Provincial Holiday..