Family Day in Hamilton and the rest of Ontario this year falls on Feb. 17, 2025.
While not a federal holiday, the third Monday in February is a regional statutory holiday in most provinces — though some use their own names, as they celebrate the day for different reasons.
Family Day is also observed in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, Manitoba recognizes the holiday as Louis Riel Day, Nova Scotia celebrates Heritage Day, and Islander Day is observed on Prince Edward Island.
During the Ontario provincial election in 2007, the Liberal Party’s Dalton McGuinty promised that, if re-elected premier, he would establish a provincial holiday in February. McGuinty made good on his promise.
However, Family Day does not necessarily add to the number of holidays Ontarians receive because employers can substitute any non-statutory holidays that employees may already receive in lieu of this day. Many employers have …