Yes, National Patriots' Day (Journe nationale des patriotes) is an official statutory public holiday in the province of Quebec. It is observed annually on the Monday preceding May 25. Under provincial law, it is a paid day off for the majority of employees working under Quebec's labour standards.
The holiday was formally established by the Government of Quebec in 2002 to commemorate the Patriotes' Rebellion of 18371838, which was a pivotal event in the province's struggle for democratic and responsible government. This observance directly replaced the celebration of Victoria Day, which is the statutory holiday recognized on the same date in most other Canadian provinces and territories. The legal basis for this paid holiday is outlined in Quebec's Act respecting labour standards, which lists the official statutory holidays for provincially regulated workers.
The practical application of this status is that most provincially regulated businesses, schools, and government services are closed on this day. It is important to note the distinction for employees in federally regulated industries (such as banking, federal civil service, and interprovincial transport), who may instead observe Victoria Day as their statutory holiday, in accordance with the Canada Labour Code. The existence of National Patriots' Day reflects a unique historical and cultural perspective in Quebec, emphasizing a key moment in its own political development over a celebration of the British monarchy.
