Family Day

Family Day History

Family Day seeks to promote families spending quality time together, strengthening their familial bonds. It is is a public holiday observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. It is recognized as a day for families to relax and enjoy each other's company, participating in communal activities that differ across the country, including special events organized by cities and communities.

The concept of Family Day was first introduced in Alberta in 1990 by the provincial government, led by Premier Don Getty, and it was established to emphasize the importance of families and family values. In 2007, the government of Ontario enacted the Family Statutes Amendment Act, which officially designated the holiday within the province. Since then, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have also introduced Family Day, joining the growing number of provinces that emphasize quality family time within their annual observances.

Various events and activities, ranging from art programs, winter festivals to outdoor recreational pursuits, are organized across the provinces that celebrate Family Day. Families are encouraged to participate in these activities together, enjoying the break from work and school while creating lasting memories. Family Day is typically celebrated on the third Monday of February, except in British Columbia, where it falls on the second Monday of February.

Family Day Facts & Quotes

• According to Statistics Canada, in 2023, there are about 9 million couple families and about 2 million lone-parent families.
• Several other Canadian provinces and territories have created holidays similar to Family Day. They are Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Yukon. These provinces and territories have opted for holiday names relating to heritage; Manitoba (Louis Riel Day), Prince Edward Island (Islander Day), Nova Scotia (Heritage Day), and Yukon (Heritage Day).
• Family Day has been controversial in some provinces due to the date not coinciding with other provinces. Parents would be expected to work while their children's schools and state-run day care facilities remained closed.
• Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten - Disney's Lilo and Stitch (2002)
• You don't have to give birth to someone to have a family. We're all family— an etended family - Sandra Bullock

In the News and Trending for Family Day

Top things to do for Family Day

• Take your family on a weekend long ski trip. Enjoy the cold and snowy outdoors.
• Go skating at the local skating rink. Many rinks offer free skating on Family Day. Check your local skating rink for available times.
• Many tourist attractions are open on Family Day so be sure to take advantage.
• Watch a movie about the importance of family. Here are our suggestions:
  The Croods: A New Age (2020)
  The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
  Finding Nemo (2003)
• Focus on your family. Try to spend the day without your phone in order to reinforce quality family time.