In most provinces across Canada, the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday, known generally as Family Day.
Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick.
Manitobans celebrate the third Monday of February as Louis Riel Day.
A portrait of Louis Riel hanging in the provincial legislature now recognizes the Métis leader as Manitoba’s first Premier. Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand unveiled the updated plaque below the portrait on Monday.
Louis Riel is acknowledged as a founder of the province of Manitoba, and a political leader of the Métis people. Riel led his people in revolt against Canadian sovereignty in two resistance movements leveled against the Government of Canada and our country’s first Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, as he sought to defend Métis rights and identity.
In Nova Scotia the day is celebrated as Heritage Day; while in Prince Edward Island, the third Monday of February is celebrated as Islander Day.
Family Day isn’t a statutory holiday in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Workers in those provinces and territories won’t have Monday, February 19 off work like employees in other parts of the country.
Québec has the lowest number of statutory holidays, tied with Manitoba. Yukon has the most holidays in Canada, celebrating 12 each year. Alberta, Newfoundland, and PEI celebrate 11 holidays, and B.C., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Saskatchewan have 10.
Québec doesn’t observe Family Day as a statutory holiday because it celebrates Journée nationale des Patriotes on the Monday preceding May 23, as well as Fête nationale du Québec every June 24.
A very Happy #FamilyDay to all of the diverse one-parent families across Canada!
Today, the third Monday of February, is a day to celebrate and cherish your beautiful families. 💕
In modern society, where the pace of life can be relentless and demands on individuals are often overwhelming, the significance of family cohesion and bonding is more pronounced than ever. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, the concept of a dedicated Family Day holiday supported by the government emerges as a beacon of acknowledgment for the pivotal role families play in shaping societies.
Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh, her partner Laura and their children celebrate Family Day
One of the hallmark benefits of the Family Day holiday is its capacity to foster inter-generational connections. In an era characterized by rapid societal changes and evolving family structures, the importance of preserving traditions and passing down values from one generation to the next cannot be overstated.
Family Day provides a platform for grandparents, parents, and children to come together, exchange stories, and impart wisdom garnered from their respective life experiences. This interplay between different generations not only enriches familial bonds but also instills a sense of continuity and heritage, reinforcing individuals’ identities and cultural roots.
While the intrinsic value of Family Day lies in its promotion of family cohesion and emotional well-being, its ripple effects extend to the economic realm as well.
Studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between employee satisfaction and productivity, with individuals who feel supported in their familial roles exhibiting higher levels of engagement and commitment in the workplace. By affording employees the opportunity to prioritize their families on Family Day, governments contribute to a more motivated and productive workforce, with holiday-related activities and gatherings injecting vitality into local economies, benefiting businesses across various sectors.
By promoting family unity, enhancing emotional well-being, fostering inter-generational connections, and boosting economic productivity, Family Day serves as a cornerstone for building stronger, more resilient communities.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us cherish and celebrate the bonds that unite us, reaffirming the timeless value of family in our lives.