When Did Family Day Start in BC?

Family Day officially began in 2013.

The first Family Day in British Columbia was celebrated on Monday, February 11, 2013. The holiday was introduced under Premier Christy Clark, following a campaign commitment to create a February statutory holiday focused on family time.

The move helped fill a long-standing gap in the calendar between New Year’s Day and Good Friday, giving workers and families a much-needed winter break.

Early Efforts to Create the Holiday

The idea of a February family-focused holiday wasn’t new.

• In 1994, a private member’s bill was introduced in the BC Legislature proposing a Family Day holiday. It did not pass.

• Discussions resurfaced in the late 2000s, as other provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan had already established similar February holidays.

Momentum built in 2011 when Christy Clark proposed Family Day during her leadership campaign. After becoming premier, the government moved forward with public consultations to determine the date.

Why the Date Changed

When Family Day was first introduced in BC, it was held on the second Monday in February.

However, most other provinces celebrated their February holiday on the third Monday. This difference created scheduling challenges for families, businesses, and organizations operating across provincial borders.

In 2018, the BC government announced that beginning in 2019, Family Day would move to the third Monday in February to align with most of Canada. That remains the date today.

Why Family Day Was Created

The purpose behind Family Day was simple but meaningful:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Encourage families to spend time together

• ❄️ Provide a winter break during a long stretch without holidays

• 🎉 Support community events and local tourism

• 💼 Promote work-life balance

February can feel long and dark in many parts of the province. A long weekend gives people something to look forward to — whether that’s skiing in the mountains, skating at a local rink, attending a festival, or simply enjoying time at home.

How British Columbians Celebrate Today

Family Day in BC is often marked by:

• Free or low-cost community events

• Outdoor winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking

• Cultural festivals and museum programs

• Family meals and gatherings

While it may not have the deep historical roots of some other holidays, Family Day has quickly become a valued part of BC’s yearly rhythm.

A Relatively New Tradition — With Lasting Impact

Though Family Day has only been around since 2013, it reflects a broader shift toward recognizing the importance of balance, connection, and well-being.

In a busy world, a dedicated day to slow down and focus on family isn’t just nice — it’s meaningful.

As February rolls around each year, British Columbians can appreciate that this holiday was created with a simple goal in mind: more time together. 💙

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