Mother’s Day in Canada is around the corner, and it’s a beautiful time to celebrate the moms in your life, including grandmothers, stepmoms, and family friends! It’s a day to send wishes and to show gratitude and honour. It’s even more meaningful for immigrant moms, as are my special memories celebrating my first Mother’s Day in Canada!
When is Mother’s Day 2026 in Canada?
In 2026, Mother’s Day in Canada falls on Sunday, May 10.
It always falls on the second Sunday of May. The celebration dates back to 1907 when the American schoolteacher Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day in honour of her late mother.
While it is not a public or statutory holiday, it became an official celebration in 1915, and Canadians have since embraced this special day. If you are looking for the official day when Canadians get a day off to spend with loved ones, check out our guide, Is Family Day a Statutory Holiday in Canada?
My Fond Experience
Immigrant parents do not have it easy, especially once their children start school in Canada. Trying to figure out the Canadian school system and learning school rules, both spoken and unspoken, helping their children with homework, and trying to make their friends welcome at home. All this adds to the challenges of the first few years of getting settled in Canada.
Not all countries celebrate Mother’s Day, and those that do celebrate it do so differently. I came from Europe, and the most similar holiday was International Women’s Day on March 8th. On that day, children traditionally present their mothers with flowers and cards. While March 8th remains an important day for many of us to celebrate women’s achievements globally, May 10th in Canada offers a more personal opportunity to focus on the unique bond of family.
🏠 Navigating the 2026 Rental Market as a Newcomer Mother
Navigating the Canadian rental market is often the first and biggest challenge for newcomers. To help you find a soft landing and a place to create your own Mother’s Day memories, we’ve put together two essential resources: The Newcomer’s Rental Application Guide, a step-by-step checklist that will help you stand out to landlords, and our upcoming webinar, Renting Your First Home in Canada.
Memories of My First Mother’s Day in Canada
When I immigrated to Canada 16 years ago, my children started their first school year. I was overwhelmed by school and social requirements, parental responsibilities, and the challenge of making my kids’ transition to a new country as smooth as possible.
How wonderful and sweet was my first Mother’s Day! My children made beautiful cards for me and attempted to make a special breakfast. I was very touched, as any mom would be.
There have been many celebrations since then. My children have grown up, so now we spend the holiday doing something special together. We’ll hike the North Shore trails, visit the art gallery, or picnic on one of Vancouver’s beaches, weather permitting. They still make beautiful cards for me, which I treasure.
As a daughter, I adopted this tradition, and every Mother’s Day, I spend special time on a video call with my mother, who lives in Europe. She thinks this is the kindest tradition reflecting Canadian culture and the importance of family ties.
Canadian Mother’s Day Traditions
In Canada, children create handmade gifts and cards, present their mothers with flowers, and often make a “breakfast in bed.” Children start learning about Mother’s Day as early as kindergarten, where teachers help them make crafts and discuss ways to show appreciation.
Children in Canada usually call their mothers Mom or Mum; both spellings are correct. While the North American “Mom” is predominant, the British “Mum” is common too. And of course, there are Mama, Maman, Mommy, Mumzee and other variations that reflect Canada’s beautiful diversity.
Grown children spend quality time together with their mothers to make this day special. There is no one-size-fits-all recipe; everything depends on family traditions.
Wishes to Immigrant Moms
For immigrant mothers, this celebration carries an extra layer of meaning. Being part of this celebration reflects that you are successfully integrating into life in Canada and its traditions. That is certainly a great feeling!
I’ve learned that being a mom in Canada is about striking a balance. We encourage our children to immerse themselves in Canadian traditions, such as Mother’s Day, without letting go of our own cultural touchstones. Embracing this day is about finding common ground between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ for our children.
Celebrating Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to start feeling ‘home’ here. Before you know it, the school year will be ending, and you’ll be gearing up for the next big milestone: Canada Day. Just like Mother’s Day, it’s a day full of traditions that help you connect to your new community.
Wishing Happy Mother’s Day to all moms! If this is your first celebration in Canada, enjoy this beautiful tradition. Create special memories with your children and the moms in your life to treasure forever.
Common Questions About Mother’s Day in Canada
Mother’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, May 10. In Canada, this holiday is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
No, Mother’s Day is not a public or statutory holiday. Most businesses follow their regular Sunday hours, and employees do not receive holiday pay. However, it is one of the most popular celebratory days in the country.
Typical traditions include giving handmade cards, flowers (especially carnations or tulips), and gifts. Many families celebrate with “breakfast in bed” for mom or a family brunch at a local restaurant.
No. While Canada, the U.S., and many European countries celebrate in May, others celebrate on International Women’s Day (March 8th) or on different dates entirely. For example, the UK celebrates “Mothering Sunday” in March.
Wondering how to work as an extra in Canada? Well, Canada’s film industry is booming! Many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed in Canada. And, when you work as an extra, it’s a great way to earn extra money.
Toronto is one of the largest film production centres in North America. And, Vancouver has been dubbed Hollywood North. In both cities, there are many film projects taking place for Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros, ABC, and others in the industry. And you can be part of a famous (or not so famous) production when you work as an extra on a set.
What is an “Extra” in the Film Industry?
“Extra” is another name for a background performer. These are usually non-speaking roles. So typically you would be part of a crowd or background for scenes.
Who Can Work as an Extra?
Anyone! No matter how old you are, what skills you have, or how you look. No training is needed.
You must be able to legally work in Canada. And, the agents or agencies can provide you with the list of documents that you will require to work as an extra.
Children up to 15 years old have to be accompanied on a set by an adult.
What Does a Day on a Production Set Look Like?
The working day can be anything from 2-3 hours to 12 hours in a row, any time during day or night. You may not get the exact schedule in advance.
You will have to arrange your own transportation to the location (usually it is a parking lot where you can leave your car if needed). And, you’ll be transported from the parking lot by bus to the actual film location.
It can be an outside or inside location so dress accordingly. The agency will let you know in advance if you can wear your own clothes, or if they will provide you with special clothes.
Also, you can spend most of the time waiting for the filming set to be ready for action or maybe for the rain to stop. So, you can bring a book or a tablet to help you to pass the time. You may not be able to meet leading actors, but there is plenty of time to talk to fellow “extras” and make new friends too.
How Much Will I Earn When I Work as an Extra?
You will be paid for all the hours you spend on the set. The rate per hour differs based on the production.
There are food and drinks offered at no cost.
The agency will let you know these details in advance and they will mail you a cheque.
Thinking of updating your resume? Use our free templates:
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How Can I Apply to Work as an Extra?
The easiest way is to apply is to create an online profile in a Background performers database.
Check out these databases for more details:
BCF casting in Vancouver
Astra online Background performers in Toronto
Usually, there is no registration fee and you can update your information on a regular basis. You will be asked to provide your:
- photos
- weight
- height, and
- other descriptions.
In addition, you can list any specific skills you and have, and most importantly, provide your availability.
Once there is an opportunity the agency may contact you with more information and specific details about the production.
Alternatively, you may choose to work with an agent who represents background actors. In this case, there may be additional fees or commissions involved.
Working on a movie set can be an exciting experience. You get to see the insides of the film production process, earning extra money, and meeting new people! These are among some of the biggest perks. And, there’s a chance to see yourself on the big screen too!
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