Small-business advocates are hoping that when Finance Minister Kevin Falcon unveils the B.C. government’s budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year later today, he will include measures to mitigate the impact of adding an additional statutory holiday next February.
British Columbians were at work on Monday even though Canadians in five provinces celebrated a holiday: Family Day in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan; Islander Day in Prince Edward Island; and Louis Riel Day in Manitoba.
Premier Christy Clark made the creation of a 10th statutory holiday in B.C. one of the pillars of her leadership campaign.
Currently, B.C. workers enjoy five federal statutory holidays (New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day and Christmas Day) and four provincial statutory holidays (Victoria Day, B.C. Day, Thanksgiving Day and Remembrance Day.)
Boxing Day is not officially a statutory holiday although most employers grant workers the day off.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business’ director of provincial affairs, Shachi Kurl, estimated that adding Family Day as a statutory holiday would cost an average small business $1,135 in labour costs alone.
“Member support for Family Day nearly doubles when potential government offsetting measures are considered,” she said.
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Family Day, statutory holidays in B.C., Shachi Kurl, B.C. budget
