Construction Holidays in Quebec 2026
In Quebec, construction holidays are mandatory periods during which the entire construction industry is on vacation. They occur in both summer and winter. These holidays play a crucial role for both workers and businesses. However, under specific conditions, certain types of work may continue to ensure essential services and public safety.
What are the official construction holidays in Quebec, and what are the exceptions?
Statutory Holidays in the Construction Industry
Planning ahead for construction projects in Quebec? It’s essential to know the official construction holidays and statutory days off to avoid delays and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Construction industry Vacation Periods
The Quebec construction industry observes two mandatory vacation periods, each lasting two weeks:
✔️ Summer Break: July 19 to August 1, 2026
✔️ Winter Break: December 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027
Statutory Holidays in Quebec Construction
In addition to the industry-wide vacations, construction workers are entitled to 10 statutory holidays throughout the year, with Christmas and New Year’s Day falling during the Winter Break.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026
Good Friday – April 3, 2026
Easter Monday – April 6, 2026
National Patriots' Day (Monday before May 25) – May 18, 2026
Fête nationale du Québec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day) – June 24, 2026
Canada Day – Observed on July 3, 2026
Labour Day (First Monday in September) – September 7, 2026
Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October) – October 12, 2026
Remembrance Day – Observed on November 13, 2026
Christmas Day – December 25, 2025
Why are Construction Holidays important?
These industry-wide breaks allow workers to recharge while ensuring project planning aligns with holiday closures. If you’re scheduling tenant improvement project, an interior renovation or any construction project in Montreal, Laval, the North Shore, or any where in Quebec, it’s important to factor in these dates to avoid delays.
Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, project manager, or construction worker, staying informed about these key dates can help you plan your projects efficiently.
Construction Calendar and Approved Work During Holidays
In Quebec, most construction sites pause during the Summer and Winter Breaks. However, to maintain essential infrastructure and ensure public safety, some critical work is still permitted. In sectors such as institutional, commercial, and industrial construction, emergency repairs and maintenance may continue during holidays to prevent significant damages or to address post-disaster situations.
In remote regions like Baie-James or areas north of the 55th parallel, certain projects may proceed without interruption, as local needs and conditions allow.
Essential Trades and Specific Work Exceptions
While construction holidays are observed, specific trades are exempt from these breaks due to the nature of their work. These essential trades continue operating during holiday periods, including:
Security system installers
Refrigeration technicians for service and maintenance
Elevator mechanics for repairs and maintenance
Millwrights and other mechanics on similar tasks
Fire protection system technicians handling emergency works
Additionally, urgent roadwork may be authorized to ensure the safety and functionality of Quebec’s transportation infrastructure
Construction holidays play a vital role in maintaining both worker well-being and the safety of infrastructure across Quebec. While most construction projects temporarily halt during these periods, specific exceptions allow for urgent works, particularly in response to regional needs. For the most up-to-date guidelines and official regulations, visit the Quebec Construction Commission (CCQ) website.
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References
CCQ. Construction Holidays and Vacations. https://www.ccq.org/en/avantages-sociaux/dates-conges-vacances
CCQ. Aide-Mémoire, Congés Annuels Obligatoires d’Été, Institutionnel et Commercial, et Industriel (2021-2025).
Monkhouse, Peter. “My Project Is Failing, It Is Not My Fault.” Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2015—EMEA, London, England. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, 2015
Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner. How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration and Everything In Between, 2023.