News release

Good Friday and Easter Sunday Store Hours

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Nova Scotians are reminded that most stores and retail businesses will be closed Good Friday, April 22 and Easter Sunday, April 24. Both of these days are listed as retail closing days under the Retail Business Designated Day Closing Act, which requires these establishments closed.

The Labour Standards Code also gives employees of these businesses the right to refuse to work on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For example, if a retail store that was not exempt were to schedule an employee to stock shelves while closed on Good Friday, the employee could refuse to work on that day and their job would be protected under the act.

Businesses and services such as smaller drug stores and grocery stores, gas stations, and food and beverage establishments are exempt from the retail closing day rules.

For a complete list of exemptions, visit www.gov.ns.ca/lae/employmentrights