When Did Bc’S Family Day Change?

The British Columbia government announced in February that Family Day would be moved to the third Monday of February, starting next year. This move aligns with other provinces in Canada, including Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Premier John Horgan stated that Family Day was established in 2013 to recognize the contributions families make to their lives, communities, and provinces.

In February 2018, the BC government announced that Family Day would move to the third Monday of February from 2019 onward, aligning the holiday with other provinces. In 2024, Family Day falls on Monday, February 19th. The decision was made following a consultation process that had recommended the holiday be on either the second or third Monday of February.

The BC Recreation and Parks Association states that Family Day was introduced in 2013 to recognize the great contributions families make to their lives, communities, and provinces. A private member’s bill to establish Family Day on the third Monday in February was introduced in the BC Legislature by Liberal MLA Bob Chisholm in 1994 but failed. The Family Day legislation would create a new holiday on either the second or third Monday in February, but the government is seeking public input as to which Monday it should be.

British Columbia’s tourism and ski industries have been irked by the change in its Family Day weekend from the second weekend in February to the third weekend. The BC NDP government announced the change in February, but the change didn’t become official until Monday.

When Did Canada Start Celebrating Family Day?

Family Day, a regional statutory holiday in Canada, was first celebrated in Alberta on February 19, 1990, introduced by then-Premier Don Getty. The holiday was established to emphasize family values and encourage time spent together among family members, recognizing the importance of home and family to the province's founding pioneers. Following Alberta's lead, Saskatchewan adopted Family Day in 2007, and Ontario followed in 2008. Today, most Canadian provinces, including British Columbia and New Brunswick, observe Family Day on the third Monday of February, although some provinces have their unique names for the holiday.

This celebration has become an opportunity for families across Canada to reconnect and enjoy shared experiences during the long winter month of February. The concept of Family Day grew in significance over the years, addressing the perceived erosion of family values before its inception. As more provinces joined the observance, the holiday became a cherished tradition, allowing Canadians to take a break from routine and celebrate family bonds in various ways throughout the country.

When Did Family Day Become A Stat Holiday In Alberta?

Alberta introduced its first Family Day on the third Monday of February in 1990, creating a statutory holiday in winter for the first time in Canada. Before this, there was a prolonged gap between recognized holidays from New Year’s Day to Good Friday. Premier Don Getty played a crucial role in establishing Family Day to highlight the importance of family and encourage Albertans to spend time with loved ones. Following Alberta's lead, Saskatchewan adopted the holiday in 2007, making it the second province to observe Family Day.

Initially met with skepticism, Family Day has become an integral part of Alberta's cultural landscape. Over the years, other provinces embraced similar holidays, recognizing the significance of family in the community. Today, Family Day is celebrated not only in Alberta but also in British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba—though Manitoba observes it as Louis Riel Day. While Family Day is not a national holiday across Canada, various provinces have established their own versions, celebrating the familial spirit during the cold month of February.

Currently, the holiday is recognized primarily on the third Monday in February, allowing families to come together and engage in activities to strengthen familial bonds.

When Is BC Family Day 2019?

Starting in 2019, British Columbia's Family Day will be celebrated on the third Monday in February, aligning it with similar holidays in other provinces and the U. S. This change, announced by Premier John Horgan, was suggested by many since Family Day's inception in 2013. Prior to this adjustment, B. C. uniquely observed Family Day on the second Monday of February. The move aims to synchronize B. C.'s holiday with most Canadian provinces, as well as with the majority of families across the country, fostering a unifying celebration.

For example, in 2019, B. C.'s Family Day will be on February 18, while other provinces observe it on February 19. Family Day is already celebrated on the third Monday of February in provinces like New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The B. C. government made this decision in recognition of the benefits for families and businesses, facilitating family time across the nation.

While this year’s Family Day falls on February 18, the change is significant for future celebrations, providing an opportunity for families to connect and celebrate together during this holiday. Thus, starting 2019, B. C.'s Family Day will reflect a more national perspective, creating a shared experience among families in different provinces.

Which Provinces Do Not Recognize Family Day?

Family Day is not a national statutory holiday in Canada; it is observed only in New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. While some provinces celebrate holidays in February, they do not refer to them as Family Day. Quebec does not recognize Family Day as a stat holiday, celebrating instead Journée nationale des Patriotes the Monday before May 23 and Fête nationale du Québec on June 24. As Family Day is not federally recognized, federal employees do not get the day off, and it is not acknowledged in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2023, Family Day falls on February 20, providing a day off for residents in the applicable provinces, while others will be working. Despite its significance in promoting family time, its observance varies by location, highlighting regional differences in statutory holidays. In certain provinces like Ontario, businesses and public services may close or operate under altered hours, although federal civil servants do not receive the day off. Overall, Family Day emphasizes quality time for families in select provinces, while others like Quebec maintain different observances.

Did BC Change Family Day?

On February 9, 2018, the Government of British Columbia announced that Family Day would be shifted to the third Monday in February starting in 2019. This change aims to align B. C.'s holiday with provinces like Alberta and Ontario, which observe Family Day at the same time. In 2024, Family Day will fall on February 19th. The B. C. government supports free Family Day activities, allowing families to bond and celebrate together. The introduction of Family Day in 2013 was controversial, but it acknowledges families' contributions to the province.

The decision to move the holiday was officially announced by Premier John Horgan, who also mentioned the government's efforts to reduce child care fees, increase the BC Family Benefit, and invest in school food programs as part of their support for families. While some businesses and families welcome this change, it faces opposition from the tourism industry, as it disrupts ski resorts' peak visitor times. A petition on Change. org has also called for this alignment with other provinces.

The day serves as a public holiday in B. C. to reflect on family importance as spring approaches. Ultimately, the government aims to facilitate a nationwide celebration for families by synchronizing the holiday with others across Canada.

When Is BC Family Day 2024?

BC Family Day is a provincial statutory holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February. In 2024, it will take place on Monday, February 19th. The B. C. government allocates funding for free Family Day activities, allowing families to spend quality time together. This year marks the 12th annual Family Day since its introduction in 2013, aimed at recognizing the importance of family bonding. Various events and activities are planned across the province, including virtual and in-person options, supported by an annual funding of $250, 000 to $350, 000.

Family Day offers a range of fun activities, such as campfires, live music, movie nights, and various family-friendly events in Metro Vancouver, including the Fan Expo and exhibits at the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World. British Columbians can anticipate enjoyable ways to connect with their loved ones on this special day. Additionally, 2024's statutory holidays in B. C. include several others, such as Good Friday and Victoria Day. Family Day is not a national holiday but is celebrated in multiple provinces, emphasizing family togetherness and community participation.

How Many Family Days Are There In BC?

Employers in British Columbia must provide workers with up to five days of general family responsibility leave annually, though this leave is unpaid. Employees can assess their eligibility for statutory holiday pay through a series of specific questions related to their work situation. BC recognizes ten statutory holidays, with schools and offices closing for celebration. In 2024, the statutory holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Family Day (February 19), Good Friday (March 29), Victoria Day (May 20), Canada Day (July 1), BC Day, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day.

Family Day, observed on the third Monday in February, highlights the importance of families and family life. Although not recognized as a national statutory holiday, it is celebrated across several Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Employers and employees can mutually agree, in writing, to substitute holidays. The BC government previously announced that Family Day would be observed on the second Monday of February starting in 2013, but it remains on the third Monday for 2024.

Does BC Have A Family Day In February?

British Columbia's Family Day holiday has been moved from the second Monday in February to the third Monday, aligning it with similar holidays in other provinces and the U. S. This change was enacted through an order-in-council passed on Monday. Consequently, British Columbians will celebrate Family Day on February 19, 2024. Since its introduction in 2013, Family Day has served as a statutory holiday providing families a chance to spend time together, with the provincial government funding free activities for this occasion. Celebrated alongside "Family Day" in provinces like Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, families reflect on their relationships and connections.

The adjustment aims to benefit businesses and accommodate residents who previously enjoyed a day off before others in Canada. The B. C. government provides annual funding between $250, 000 and $350, 000 to support this holiday. Family Day is not just a day off; it emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and traditions. While B. C. residents celebrated it a week earlier in past years, the change in 2024 will harmonize the holiday with those in other regions, such as Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

Statutory holidays in B. C. also include Good Friday, Victoria Day, and Canada Day. The upcoming Family Day events from February 16 to 19, 2024, promise opportunities for families to connect and enjoy their time together.

How Long Has Family Day Been A Stat In BC?

Family Day originated in Saskatchewan in 2007, with Ontario and British Columbia following in 2008 and 2013, respectively. It is celebrated on the third Monday of February in several provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia (BC), New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Other regions have unique observances, such as Louis Riel Day in Manitoba and Heritage Day in Nova Scotia. In BC, Family Day was established in 2013 to honor family contributions to communities.

Initially scheduled for the second Monday in February, BC's Family Day was shifted to the third Monday in 2019 to synchronize with other provinces, highlighting its significance beyond just a holiday. It promotes family bonding and community togetherness, providing an opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Family Day is recognized as a provincial statutory holiday, offering statutory holiday pay to eligible workers.

Currently, it is a cherished occasion across various provinces, fostering family connections in the cold February weather. As of February 2025, Family Day will be observed on the 17th, continuing its legacy of celebration of familial bonds nationwide, even expanding to more provinces over the years since its inception.

When Did BC Day Become A Stat Holiday?

The Colony of British Columbia was established in London, England, on August 2, 1858, leading to the creation of British Columbia Day (B. C. Day) on August 5, 1974, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. Legislation was passed on March 9, 2023, to designate September 30 as a statutory holiday following increased recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Notably, a British Columbia MP, Alan Neill, proposed in 1931 that Remembrance Day be observed on November 11, while Thanksgiving was shifted to a Monday that same year.

Alberta was the first province to introduce a statutory holiday in 1990 under Premier Don Getty. Despite its intent for support and love, this legislation was criticized. The Employment Standards Act defines 11 statutory holidays in British Columbia, including Easter-related holidays. Importantly, Remembrance Day is already a recognized statutory holiday for federally regulated workers. Besides British Columbia, other regions observing September 30 as a statutory holiday include Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.

In 1974, Surrey MLA Ernie Hall introduced the BC Day legislation, establishing the first Monday of August as a public holiday. BC Day has since become a significant event in the province's cultural calendar.