Login / RegisterB.C. to mark Family Day on second Monday of February
B.C.’s new Family Day holiday will take place the second Monday of each February, Premier Christy Clark announced today (May 28).
The date was chosen after a consultation period on whether the new statutory holiday should be held the second or third Monday of each February. The first holiday will be February 11, 2013.
The long weekend will distinguish B.C. from five other Canadian provinces that have a statutory holiday on the third Monday of February, and from the United States, which marks Presidents Day on the third Monday.
"Having our own unique day in B.C. creates distinctive opportunities for families and local businesses,” Clark said in a news release.
“British Columbians will be able to enjoy all kinds of local attractions with fewer lineups and less out-of-town traffic."
The government received a total of 31,146 selections on an online poll about the holiday. The option of the second Monday in February won 18,202 selections, while the third Monday was chosen by 9,436 people.
Clark first proposed the idea of a Family Day holiday during the B.C. Liberal leadership race, noting at the time that there are no statutory holidays in the province between New Year’s Day and Easter.
The launch of Family Day next year will mark the province's 10th statutory holiday.
