National Patriots' Day is not a statutory holiday in British Columbia. It is a provincial statutory holiday recognized exclusively in Quebec. In British Columbia, the holiday observed on the same datethe Monday preceding May 25this Victoria Day, which is a statutory holiday in the province.
The distinction lies in their origins and official recognition. National Patriots' Day (Journe nationale des patriotes) was established by the government of Quebec in 2002 to commemorate the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837. Conversely, Victoria Day is a federal Canadian holiday celebrating the sovereign's birthday. While Quebec observes its distinct holiday, British Columbia, along with most other Canadian provinces and territories, officially recognizes and observes Victoria Day. The British Columbia Employment Standards Act lists Victoria Day, not National Patriots' Day, as one of the province's official statutory holidays.
Therefore, for the purposes of employment standards, holiday pay, and business closures in British Columbia, the relevant legal and cultural designation for the statutory holiday in May is Victoria Day. The term "National Patriots' Day" has no official standing or recognition as a public holiday within BC.
