Family Day A Mixed Bag For Ontarians
Posted February 18, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With an estimated 40% of Ontario’s workforce on the job Monday, the first ever Family Day didn’t quite live up to its billing as a rare chance for loved ones across the province to spend quality time together. And while there were those who did exactly that, many were begrudgingly on the job, some without receiving holiday rates, and in the end the hastily planned holiday was heavily criticized by Liberal opponents looking for any chance to pounce on their political rivals.
John Tory, leader of the provincial Conservatives, blamed Premier Dalton McGuinty for the confusion surrounding Family Day.
“He raced to do it for political reasons and didn’t bother to ask anybody. I think that’s the wrong way to make decisions. And I think a lot of people are paying the price for that today.”
Temp workers who aren’t getting paid extra to work the holiday continue to voice their displeasure. And unlike fire fighters and other civic workers, Toronto Police weren’t given the option of having a day off either. Toronto Police Association president, Dave Wilson was not impressed with Mayor David Miller.
“The mayor chose to deal with us, police officers and the civilian employees that support them, differently than he chose to deal with everyone else, with no excuse and no right to do that.”
Wilson went on to criticize Miller’s reports to the media. “He comes out in the news and he says he doesn’t begrudge anyone the holiday. Yet he wouldn’t give us the whole date. Then he comes out and says it’s a five million cost to the city but we’re not worried about the cost.He doesn’t care about our membership.”
Wilson says the Toronto Police Association may go to arbitration to resolve the issue after city council said that officers would not receive the extra day because they already have 12 statutory holidays.
McGuinty says there’s always a few wrinkles to be ironed out in the first year, and that next year will run smoother. Meanwhile federal NDP leader Jack Layton thinks Family Day’s a great idea. He’s calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to give the holiday to all Canadians.
“Families are working harder each year, and one study showed that the average working family in Canada is working 250 hours longer each and every year.that’s why families are feeling really stressed and they need time together.”
Layton reminded the media that the NDP had suggested such a thing last year. “We’re calling on all the parties to consider this proposal, which we put before the house under the name of Peggy Nash, our Industry Critic, last year, and our hope is that there can be a movement of support across the country for this idea.”
In the meantime, those who enjoyed the time away from work were all smiles.
After skating at Nathan Phillips Square, Laura Magliocchi and her daughter Linda plan to go shopping. “It’s a girls’ day out! We’re going to have lunch, and then get home as late as possible.”
Josh and Joe Dejesus are enjoying the rink for now. “Later on today, we’re probably taking in a movie.” And David Hart is staying in a hotel downtown, and then heading over to the Beaches for the first annual Family Day Festival.
For a list of fun family activities, click here.
For a list of what’s open and closed, click here.
