New Brunswick is considering a February holiday, Cathy Rogers says
CBC News | Posted: February 15, 2016 6:02 PM | Last Updated: February 15, 2016
Social Development Minister says provincial government is considering adding mid-winter holiday
The New Brunswick government is exploring the idea of adding a statutory holiday in February, Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers said on Monday.
"New Brunswick is built on strong families and communities," said Rogers in a statement.
"Giving hard-working New Brunswickers a chance to take a break and spend a day with their families could lead to a more engaged and productive workforce."
Rogers said several departments will work on an analysis of the proposal for a mid-winter holiday on the third Monday in February in the next few months.
Part of the review, according to the provincial government, will be to look at whether the potential holiday should be a paid public holiday and assess the potential impacts on employers and New Brunswickers.
The idea of a February holiday isn't new in the province.
Shawn Graham promised to introduce the holiday during his election campaign in 2010.
After losing the election, the Liberals continued to call for the creation of the February holiday while David Alward's Progressive Conservatives were in government.
On Sunday, another politician raised the idea.
Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside, who is running for re-election, used Twitter to call on the provincial government to create a Family Day holiday for New Brunswick.
"We are one of the few provinces left without a holiday tomorrow I hope our Government will address this and give NB families a day together," Woodside said.
New Brunswick is the only Maritime province that doesn't have a holiday in February despite promises from the former Liberal government.
Neighbouring Nova Scotia observes Heritage Day and P.E.I. celebrates Islanders Day.
Across Canada, it is Family Day in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
British Columbia celebrated a week earlier, on Feb. 8. Manitoba is celebrating Louis Riel Day.
Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, like New Brunswick, don't have a February holiday.
New Brunswickers will have to wait until March 25, Good Friday, to enjoy a long weekend.