Attractions Packed As City Comes Out For Family Day
Posted February 16, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The newest statutory holiday in the province dawned sunny and cool Monday.
Parents and children alike had the day off to celebrate Family Day, introduced by the Liberal government last year. And, from Nathan Phillips Square to the Toronto Zoo, the city’s most popular attractions were packed.
“Ontarians work really, really hard, and they deserve a holiday to be able to spend some more time with family and friends, their loved ones. And with we feel that the third Monday in February is the perfect time to be able to do that,” outlined Ontario Minister of Labour Peter Fonseca (pictured, with family).
“We also feel that a well-rested employee is a more productive employee. Morale is better, and they will be more productive employees in the workplace.”
Like our neighbours to the south, who are enjoying President’s Day, Ontario took a break from the daily grind.
But not everyone was so lucky.
About a third of workers in the province were called in, including federal employees, some unionized workers, and most retail employees. And for those parents with kids home from school, there was an extra financial burden.
“I am not in this situation personally, however I work for a federally regulated company and have co-workers in this situation,” wrote Justin Cohen in an email to CityNews.ca
“People who have to work today have to pay for child care, furthuring the burden on their families…My personal suggestion is that the province ensures that all holidays are synchronized with public/highschool system holidays.”
Municipal services like garbage pick-up will continue to run because while civil servants who work for the province are off, those who work for the city aren’t.
The single day is expected to cost employers roughly $2 billion in overtime and holiday pay alone – a concern for businesses already struggling with the economic downturn.
“When you’ve got businesses that are trying to make ends meet, trying to weather through this difficult economy, it’s really unfortunate when government loads more and more regulations on business and more and more costs on business,” argued Judith Andrew from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.
If you do have the day off, make sure you’ve got your sunglasses. The forecast is calling for bright sunshine and a high of 1 oC, dipping down to -8 oC overnight.
Confusion Reigns On Family Day But Here’s What’s Open And Closed
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