Ontario might see some retail shops opening on Family Day and Victoria Day in the future.
The Ford government is working on legislation that would allow this option.
If stores do open, they will need to pay their employees premium and public holiday wages.
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Stephen Crawford, mentions that this provides employees with the flexibility to take extra shifts while still keeping their right to a day off.
“By giving retailers the option to open on Family Day and Victoria Day, we are supporting employees and businesses while giving families more choice and convenience to shop at their local retail stores,” states Crawford in a release.
This initiative comes after Premier Doug Ford expressed concerns to reporters in February about shopping malls in his area being closed during Family Day.
The government believes these proposed changes will create a fairer, more consistent approach for both businesses and workers while allowing families to enjoy the ease of shopping during holidays.
Family Day and Victoria Day are non-religious statutory holidays celebrated throughout Ontario.
Victoria Day has been recognized as a holiday in Canada since 1854, originally observed on May 24 to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday, becoming variable in 1952 to provide most Canadians with a long weekend.
Family Day was first celebrated in Ontario back in 2008.
On October 12, 2007, the provincial government designated Family Day on the third Monday of February, with the first celebration occurring on February 18, 2008.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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