The newcomer’s guide to Family Day
By: Olivia Matheson-Mowers
Published on: February 19th, 2024
In most Canadian provinces, the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday commonly known as Family Day. For many Canadian newcomers, this holiday may be unfamiliar, and they may not understand how to celebrate.
Keep reading to learn about the history of Family Day, how to celebrate with your family, and how to celebrate if you are living apart from your family.
What is Family Day?
Family Day is a regional statutory holiday celebrated in most Canadian provinces. Family Day was first celebrated in Alberta in 1990 as a way for people to spend time with their families and emphasize the importance of family values. It also offers workers a better work-life balance as this holiday is dedicated to relaxing and enjoying the company of loved ones. Other provinces began following suit, and now the holiday is observed in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.
Other provinces also observe the holiday but use a different name to acknowledge the unique celebrations associated with the regions. For example, in Nova Scotia, the holiday is called Nova Scotia Heritage Day. Individuals in Nova Scotia are encouraged to celebrate provincial heroes and landmarks throughout the holiday while also spending time with their families.
Who gets Family Day off?
Many employees get Family Day off with public holiday pay. This pay is calculated by dividing the regular wages earned in the four weeks preceding the holiday week by 20. However, there are some exceptions to this.
In Ontario, provincially regulated employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA) get Family Day off from work. This includes employees who are working full-time, part-time, and those on fixed-term contracts.
Family Day is not a statutory holiday for federally regulated employees, as they follow the Canada Labour Code instead of the ESA. Continuous operation employees who work for businesses that operate non-stop, such as hospitals and hotels, also do not qualify for the holiday. Additionally, professions that are exempt from the ESA, such as police officers and taxicab drivers, do not receive the holiday off.
For more information, you can discuss the holiday with your employer. You can also contact the Ministry of Labour if you believe you qualify for the holiday but your employer is refusing to allow you to take it off.
How to celebrate with your family
There are many different ways to celebrate Family Day. Traditionally, the holiday is used to relax and engage in activities. Families can engage in outdoor activities, such as skating and snowboarding, or stay indoors and enjoy a movie night, play board games, or cook a meal together.
Some families use the holiday as an opportunity for a getaway or a mini-vacation. Ontario is home to many winter resorts, such as Blue Mountain Resort and Bayview Wildwood Resort. These resorts offer families a chance to engage in winter activities such as snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and ice fishing.
Families can also check out animal attractions, such as the Toronto Zoo, Bird Kingdom, or Ripley’s Aquarium. Many of these attractions are indoors and open year-round, making it the perfect outing for Family Day. The Toronto Zoo also offers the Zoo to You program, a virtual experience that lets you observe wildlife from the comfort of your home.
How to celebrate if you’re living apart from family
If you are living apart from family right now, it might seem challenging to celebrate a holiday focused on family. Remember that you are not alone, and many other newcomers are going through a similar experience.
One option is to plan a video call with your family members living in other parts of the world. You can use the video call to catch up, watch a movie together, or play a game. Even if you can’t be together physically, you can still spend time together as a family.
Family Day can be a great opportunity for newcomers to participate in Canadian culture and build connections with their communities. You can connect with your neighbours, friends, and fellow newcomers to plan a group activity. Some ideas include potlucks, visiting a local landmark, an escape room, or snow tubing.
You can also use the holiday as a chance to give back to your community. Some options include volunteering at a local charity, visiting a nursing home, or reaching out to your friends and neighbours who may be feeling lonely.
However you choose to celebrate Family Day, it is an important holiday that highlights the importance of family, community, and relaxation. Even if you cannot be with family, take time to express your love and gratitude to your loved ones while also finding time to relax and recharge.