| 1st Monday of September | Labour Day | Labour Day, the first Monday in September, has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894. It originated in the first workers’ rallies of the Victorian era. |
| September 7 | Ukrainian Heritage Day | Ukrainian Canadians have made impactful contributions to Canada socially, culturally, politically, and economically. This day celebrates their presence and recognizes their enriching influence on Canadian life. |
| September 10 | World Suicide Prevention Day | World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 each year to raise awareness about suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally. |
| September 11 | Nayrouz | In September, Coptic Christians globally, celebrate the Feast of Nayrouz and the Coptic New Year. This feast honours the martyrs who suffered under the Roman Empire. The day is marked by prayers, gift-giving, and time with loved ones. |
| September 11-September 13 | Rosh Hashanah | Rosh Hashanah, begins at sundown and ushers in the Jewish New Year over two days starting on the first of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar. |
| Third week of September | Consent Awareness Week | Consent Awareness Week offers students a chance to discuss consent and relationships, while deepening their understanding of sexual violence. It also highlights available services both on and off campus. |
| Fourth week of September | Gender Equality Week | Gender Equality Week, the fourth week in September, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the important contributions women and gender diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character and identity of Canada; to celebrate the significant achievements and accomplishments that we have made in advancing gender equality; and to reconfirm our commitment to address persistent gender equality gaps in Canada. |
| September 20-September 21 | Yom Kippur | Beginning at sundown, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It's observed with prayer, reflection, and fasting. |
| September 25 | Moon Festival | The Moon Festival incorporates a variety of traditions and celebrations and is observed near the autumnal equinox. Observances may include gathering with family and friends to enjoy traditional food and moon gazing. |
| September 25-October 2 | Sukkot | Starting at sundown, Sukkot is a Jewish holiday, honoring the harvest gathering and commemorating protection during the Exodus. Some observe the holiday by eating and sleeping in Sukkahs (huts) for seven days. |
| September 28 | Confucius's Birthday | Confucius was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, advisor, and political theorist. Confucius Day observes the date of their birth and is acknowledged through a variety of festivals and celebrations around the world. |
| September 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, a day to wear an orange shirt as a way to remember the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away from her when she was sent to a residential school at age six. The date was chosen because this was the time of year children were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools. |
| October | Queer History Month | This month-long observance of the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement originated in in 1994 in the United States as Lesbian and Gay History Month. The month celebrates and highlights the history and achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada and provides the opportunity for folks to engage in raising awareness, advancing education, and increasing visibility of the queer community. The month of October was originally chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th. |
| October | Women’s History Month | In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history. Women’s History Month in Canada, is a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada. |
| October | Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month | October is recognized as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. It's a time to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and celebrate the diversity of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). |
| October | German Heritage Month | October is an opportunity to recognize, celebrate and learn more about the significant contributions of one of Canada’s largest cultural communities – the German community, which includes more than three million people. |
| October | Latin American & Hispanic Heritage Month | This month gives us the opportunity to learn more about the Latin American & Hispanic community. This large and growing community has representation from the 20 Latin American countries (and one territory) where Spanish is the official language. |
| October | Canadian Islamic History Month | Canadian Islamic History Month aims to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the the rich heritage and contributions of Muslims to Canadian society. These contributions span across the sciences, humanities, medicine, and astronomy, among others. |
| October | National Disability Employment Awareness Month | Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) was first proclaimed in Canada in 2010 by the Province of Manitoba. Since then, employment service providers, employers, and community organizations throughout Canada have brought DEAM to life by organizing activities to engage employers, job seekers experiencing disability, and the public to promote the benefits of inclusive hiring. |
| October 3-October 4 | Simchat Torah | Beginning at sundown, Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and acknowledges the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings. |
| October 4 | Sisters in Spirit National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls | October 4th is Sisters in Spirit National Day of Action for MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ People. Native Women's Association of Canada established this day to raise awareness on violence against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirit people. |
| 2nd Monday of October | Thanksgiving | Canadian Thanksgiving is both a time of giving thanks and an opportunity to reflect critically on the historical and present-day realities of colonialism and it's impact on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Observing this day with awareness encourages respect for Indigenous histories, cultures and rights and invites all Canadians to engage in meaningful dialogue about truth, reconciliation and shared futures. |
| October 10 | World Mental Health Day | World Mental Health Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues globally and encouraging efforts to support mental well-being. |
| October 11 | National Coming Out Day | October 11th is National Coming Out Day! Remember that coming out and inviting in looks different for everyone-and while not all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks "come out", this day celebrates every individual, no matter where they are in their personal journey. |
| October 16 | International Pronouns Day | International Pronouns Day is a global observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of using correct personal pronouns, to foster inclusion and respect for people of all gender identities. |
| October 18 | Persons Day | October 18th commemorates Persons Day, when in 1929, Canada's highest court recognized women as "persons" under the law, a milestone for gender equity, though Indigenous and Asian women were initially excluded. |
| October 26 | Pavarana | Pavarana is a Buddhist holy day marking the end of the 3 lunar months known as Vassa. During this time monks will come together as a community and engage in making atonement for their offences. |
| October 26 | Intersex Awareness Day | A day to encourage dialogue and raise awareness on the human rights violations faced by intersex people. |
| October 27-November 24 | Kathina | Kathina is a Buddhist festival where the community comes together to express gratitude and provide donations to the monks at their monastery, often in the form of new robes. |
| November | Woman Abuse Prevention Month | Observed in November, Woman Abuse Prevention Month aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to promote actions that help prevent the abuse of women. |
| November | Hindu Heritage Month | Recognizes the important contributions that Hindu Canadians have made to Canada's social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the important role Hindu Canadians have and continue to play in communities across Canada. |
| November | Lebanese Heritage Month | Lebanese Heritage month celebrates the contributions Lebanese Canadians have made to Canada. It promotes understanding of Lebanese culture, heritage and history, and encourages reflection on the impact Lebanese communities have made across multiple fields-social, economic, and cultural. |
| November 1-November 7 | Treaties Recognition Week | Honours the significance of treaties and promotes awareness of treaty rights and relationships. Engaging in learning opportunities about collective treaty rights and responsibilities is one of the many steps on the path of healing and reconciliation. |
| November 5-November 11 | Veteran’s Week | Every year during the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11, we honour those who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. |
| November 7 | Inuit Day | November 7th is International Inuit Day. The day was declared by the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) in 2006 and is an opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn about the many contributions of Inuit around the world. |
| November 8 | Diwali | Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). Diwali signifies the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” |
| November 8 | Indigenous Veterans Day | Indigenous Veterans Day acknowledges and remembers the military service of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The day honours and recognizes the sacrifice made by Indigenous Veterans who have served in missions across Canada and around the world. |
| November 11 | Remembrance Day | Commemorates the members of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives during the World Wars and other military efforts in history and currently. |
| November 13-November 19 | Transgender Awareness Week | Transgender Awareness Week is a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the trans community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community. |
| November 16 | Louis Riel Day | Louis Riel Day annually acknowledges his enduring influence as a leader, celebrates Métis culture, and recognizes the many contributions of the Métis people. This day commemorates Riel’s contributions and advocacy for the protection of the rights and culture of the Métis Nation. |
| November 20 | Transgender Day of Remembrance | Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20th to honour the memory of trans and gender diverse people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. |
| November 24 | Gurpurab | Gurpurab, celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first guru and founder of Sikhism. Observances may include processions, singing hymns, and sharing meals. |
| November 25-December 10 | 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence | The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November and runs through to 10 December. The campaign focuses on prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. |
| Fourth Saturday of November | Holodomor Memorial Day | Holodomor Memorial Day is commemorated each year to remember the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 during the Holodomor Famine-Genocide. |
| December 3 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Promoted by the United Nations, this day is to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities |
| December 4-December 12 | Hanukkah | Observed for 8 nights and days, Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that acknowledges the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication to the Second Temple where the menorah remained lit for 8 nights and days despite having only enough oil for one day's lighting. |
| December 6 | National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women | National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women honours the memory of the victims of the Polytechnique massacre. It serves as a solemn reminder of the impact of violence against women and promotes the awareness, reflection, and action to end gender-based violence. |
| December 8 | Bodhi Day | Bodhi Day celebrates the day Siddhartha Gautama, Sakyamuni Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Known as Rohatsu or Jodo-e in Japan and elsewhere by other names, this holiday is widely observed in the Mahayana traditions of East Asia and across the globe. In regions that follow the lunar calendar, this date varies year to year. In regions that follow the Gregorian calendar, Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8th. |
| December 10 | Human Rights Day | A day to honour the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on December 10, 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | A holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is recognized as a public holiday in many nations around the world and is also celebrated secularly by many non-Christians. |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | The day after Christmas Day was traditionally celebrated as the day tradesmen and servants would receive gifts from their employers. |
| December 26-January 1 | Kwanzaa | Celebrated between December 26-January 1, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday. On each night, a candle is lit to observe the nguzo saba, the principles of Kwanzaa. |