Bundled up in scarves, mittens and hats, Canadian families head out into the crisp winter air. Some glide across outdoor skating rinks, while others tramp through the snow on a hike. At home, the mood is merry, with the meals being cooked in the kitchen and the lovely aromas spurting from ovens and stovetops as people gather to share a meal with their loved ones. The joy and happiness ring out of the door of each provincial family that has Family Day on the 3rd Monday of February. This mid-winter statutory holiday provides families with cherished time together.
But when did Family Day first originate, and how widely is it celebrated today?
Let’s learn about the history and how people celebrate Family Day in Canada.
Table of Contents
When is Family Day in Canada in 2024?
In 2024, Family Day will fall on Monday, February 19th. Since the holiday always lands on the third Monday of February, the exact date shifts each year. The next family day takes place on February 17th, 2025.
While the winter holiday may seem like it has been around forever, Family Day is still relatively new to much of Canada. While the origins of Family Day in Canada can be traced back to Alberta in 1990, it has since been adopted by other provinces over the years: Saskatchewan (2007), Ontario (2008), British Columbia (2013), and New Brunswick (2018).
Is Family Day a Federal Holiday in Canada?
Despite gaining popularity across the country over the past few decades, Family Day has yet to become a federally legislated statutory holiday across all of Canada. The federal government currently designates New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Day as nationwide statutory holidays.
For now, Family Day is only officially recognized in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and recently Nova Scotia. Other provinces and territories do not mark the holiday at all. However, many individual employers still choose to give employees a day off on Family Day even if it is not provincially required.
Why Does Family Day Exist in Canada?
So why did Family Day first get its start? When the province of Alberta declared the third Monday of February as Family Day in 1990, the government emphasized the importance of family values and the role that families play in society.
The February holiday aimed to give hard-working parents and children a chance to spend more quality time together during winter’s cold temperatures. Curling up inside with hot chocolate, playing board games, and simply relaxing and conversing provide a heart-warming break from busy school and work schedules.
Over the years, other provinces found the mid-winter holiday appealing as well. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty also envisioned Family Day as an opportunity for families to enjoy each other’s company “away from the distractions of everyday life.” The day off work and school enables families to reconnect, reflect, and partake in treasured winter activities.
You May Also Like:
How Do People Celebrate Family Day In Canada?
On Family Day, many Canadians spend their time with their loved ones in different ways. Here are 20+ popular Family Day activities and traditions across the provinces where it is recognized:
Spending Quality Time Together:
- Multi-generational family gatherings
- Large meals featuring traditional dishes
- Playing games and putting together puzzles
- Reminiscing over old photos and videos
- Family trivia night
Winter Recreation:
- Building snowmen and igloos in the backyard
- Going tobogganing and snow-tubing
- Ice skating on frozen ponds and outdoor rinks
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding on local hills
Family Friendly Events:
- Visiting museums offering discounted or free admission
- Attending festivals with crafts, snacks and activities
- Watching fireworks displays and winter parades
- Checking out other special events hosted on Family Day in Canada
Shopping and Relaxing:
- Hitting the shops to take advantage of Family Day sales
- Getting caught up on household tasks and home projects
- Sleeping in and spending the day in pyjamas
- Cooking or baking together as a family
- Travelling to visit relatives in other cities
While Family Day aims to bring families together, many employers still require staff to work on the holiday Monday. However, some provinces are working to make Family Day more inclusive. For example, Ontario recently passed legislation to provide job-protected leave for employees to celebrate Family Day. Many Canadians are also asking the federal government to make it a nationwide statutory holiday.
Conclusion
Although not yet recognized across all of Canada, Family Day has become an important part of winter celebrations for many Canadians over the past three decades. From big family gatherings to outdoor recreation and quality relaxation, Family Day in Canada provides a valuable opportunity for Canadian families to connect amidst their busy lives.
💡 What if you can’t spend Family Day with your loved one due to business in remote places? Try a virtual family trivia night with your family through AhaSlides. It is the best presentation tool with a quiz maker, spinner wheel, and free built-in templates for hosting perfect family gatherings and other virtual events.
More tips and advice about events? Pick an event that you’re concerned with, and we’ll help you!
FAQs
What does Family Day celebrate in Canada?
Family Day in Canada celebrates family values and provides families with a statutory holiday in February to spend quality time together during the cold winter months. The holiday emphasizes the importance of family and gives Canadians a break to connect with loved ones.
How many provinces in Canada have Family Day?
Currently, five provinces have Family Day – Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and New Brunswick all officially recognize the February statutory holiday.
Is Family Day paid in Canada?
Family Day is a paid day off work for employees in the provinces that observe the holiday unless otherwise specified by their employer. Most companies recognize holidays with time off or holiday pay.
Is there Family Day in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario observes Family Day as a public holiday. The province declared Family Day an official statutory holiday in 2007, joining Alberta and Saskatchewan in celebrating the third Monday of February as a day to spend with family.
Ref:
