The third Monday in February is Family Day in five provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In others, it is known as Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Islander Day in P.E.I., and in Manitoba as Louis Riel Day. Québec does not have a long weekend in February but does have Patriotes Day in May, unlike other provinces. Family Day is not a federal statutory holiday, which makes it a holiday for school boards and most of the retail sector, for instance, but not for federal public service workers, causing confusion and inconvenience for some.
Alberta was the first province to make it a holiday, in 1990. Many unions and other civil-society groups have long advocated at times for a long weekend in February, arguing it would improve mental health during the short days of winter and post-holiday stress. Meanwhile, the federal government has considered making it a statutory holiday at times. Employers have pushed back, over concerns of lost productivity, and of course the cost of a paid holiday.
Some UCTE members are provincially regulated workplaces, and others are federally regulated, but many have the Family Day holiday listed their collective agreements. Others who do not could consider making it a bargaining demand at their next round of negotiations.
Those of our members who get the day should not take it for granted! Ultimately, it can serve as a reminder that all our benefits including designated paid holidays are gained through Collective bargaining – they are not given by employers without a demand.
