B.C. to shift Family Day in 2019 to third week of February

VANCOUVER The annual B.C. Family Day holiday will shift to the third Monday of February starting in 2019.

Premier John Horgan made the announcement Friday that the holiday, which was established in 2013 based on recommendations it be held on the second or third Monday, would be moved to the third Monday to be better aligned with other Canadian provinces and the U.S.

“Moving Family Day is the right thing to do for businesses small and large, and is better for families who may be spread out across the country,” Horgan said in a news release. “This gives families an opportunity to schedule and spend more time with loved ones from other provinces.”

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has always backed the move, even introducing a private member’s bill last year to amend the law. In bringing in the bill, Weaver highlighted a petition by the founder of a campaign called #UniteFamilyDay that had more than 20,000 signatures.

Anita Huberman, chief executive of the Surrey Board of Trade, supports the change.

“The misalignment of Family Day causes inconvenience, increased costs and lost opportunity for businesses of all sizes and in various industries,” Huberman said.

“The economic benefit from this change will greatly assist our members, and especially smalland medium-sized businesses, across the province.”

Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February in Alberta, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Only B.C. holds its Family Day on the second Monday of February.

President’s Day in the U.S. is held on the third Monday of February.