Bill 65: Remembrance Day Observance Act, 2025

This bill affects virtually every business operating in Ontario, from retail shops and restaurants to offices, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities, as all workplaces would be required to shut down from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 11th unless granted a regulatory exception. Small business owners — such as a café operator, a trades contractor, or a retail store owner — would need to plan around a mandatory four-hour closure, impacting scheduling, staffing, and revenue on that day. Schools and educators are also directly affected, as they must organize dedicated Remembrance Day services and integrate new curriculum content. The size of the business matters less than the nature of operations; essential services may receive exceptions through future regulations, but most employers will need to adjust their Remembrance Day operations.