Student AffairsQueen's University recognizes 10 days as observed holidays without loss of salary:
- New Year's Day
- Heritage Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic holiday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Most of these days are statutory holidays: "days of special significance [...] established by governments to commemorate or celebrate certain events, usually of a religious or historical nature" (HRDSC). Although many are "public" holidays, they reflect the historical and religious landmarks of a specific ethnic group, Canadians of European descent. As such, most of the holidays listed above are cultural signifiers of sameness.
This does not mean, however, that the university discriminates against minority groups (religious and/or ethnic) who wish to observe their holy days and cultural festivals without academic or financial reprisal. On the contrary, Queen's recognizes the importance of religious and cultural diversity on campus. The newly released draft of its Strategic Plan declares that as an institution, "We cherish and fully support the diversity of human experience and background at Queen's, and we actively foster the freedom of individuals to study, teach, work and carry out research without fear of harassment, intimidation or discrimination".
The full statement can be found on the Queen's University Human Resources observed holidays page.