Family Day

Celebrate Family Day – the second Monday in February!

Last year, Family Day was introduced to BC, bringing our celebration in line with families in the other provinces. BC’s Family Day was nearly launched 20 years ago when MLA Bob Chisholm introduced a private member’s bill – but the Legislature turned it down. Further attempts were made between 2007 and 2011, but it was always opposed by the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Campbell-led government.

Premier Christy Clark made the institution of BC Family day one of her electoral promises when she was running for leadership of the provincial Liberals. Once elected she proclaimed that BC would observe its first Family Day on February 18th, 2013.

While Family Day is observed in other provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario), their holiday falls on the third Monday of February instead of the second – so if you have family in Ottawa and Victoria, you can celebrate twice! The holiday recognizes the importance of families and family life to people and communities.

So, what should you do on Family Day? It’s a great day to plan and take part in activities aimed at the whole family. In Vancouver, you could visit Science World (normally closed on Mondays but open for stat holidays!), or the Art Gallery. Visit a museum, go skating in Robson Square or hiking on the North Shore. There are also great deals available at Whistler.

You can check your local municipality calendar to see what fun events are being planned in your neighbourhood. Our staff’s plans include spending the weekend visiting friends in Northern BC, curled up with family from out-of-town, and redecorating!

Just make sure that, whatever you choose to get up to, you do it with your loved ones.