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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: February Family Day: Tips for a New Ontario Holiday</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?7342</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:28:23 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Jim</title>
<description><![CDATA[
As it was explained by my Professor in college many years back, only the federal government can proclaim statutory holidays.  The federal government allows the provinces one day to proclaim as their provincial day that would be recognized as a statutory holiday.

Since Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (along with 5 other provinces) have the first monday in August as that "special statutory holiday", other provincial holidays have no force in effect.   In other words, it is up to businesses (not provincially controlled) to decide whether or not to give the day off to employees.   By the way, in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, who have had this Family Day before Ontario got into the act, saw a majority of their citizens report to work as "business as usual".

It is an empty holiday - has no force to be recognized.   If you want a stat holiday, ask the Federal Government to fully proclaim Heritage Day (same day as the pseudo Family Day).   Heritage Day would be a federal government holiday and therefore, a stat holiday.

Sorry, government employees do not get the day off, get no premium pay.   It is another work day.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461974</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461974</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:11:18 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Jim</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Doesn't matter - majority of Ontarians (60%) don't get the day off as a Holiday anyhow - be it premium pay or the day off. All it serves is a benefit for 40% of the population.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461965</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461965</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:00:09 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>sandy</title>
<description><![CDATA[
i think the most confusing word ever invented is the word family!

the emotional impact and the power of that word and concept boggles the mind because family means something different to each one of us nowadays!

i have a long distance family and sometimes it's lonely without them but it is also peaceful and liberating without them too!

i have a welcome mat that says: friends welcome; family by appointment only!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461697</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c461697</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:07:39 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>brer</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I am employed with a large school bus company as a school bus driver.  Last year was the first year that we received Family Day off with pay.  At first there were a lot of memos and useless meetings and then we were told that since we already received Easter Monday we would not be receiving Family Day too and then that Family Day would be honoured on the first Monday of August (very funny since the schools are all closed anyways).  The company realized that there would be no point of us driving our school buses if the schools would be closed and there would be no students to pick up and drop off so we finally received the day off with pay. And, this year it was not an issue because we just did the same thing that we did last year.  I will be spending time "at home" with my family and will not be going to the mall, or the movies or out to eat.  We will just stay in and enjoy our time together otherwise Family Day will just feel like another regular Saturday.  If everyone else did the same thing and stayed home and saved their money then the people who work in retail and the food industry could also get a day off to spend with their families.  So everyone, stay home, save your money and enjoy your day together.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c460487</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c460487</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:25:16 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Steve</title>
<description><![CDATA[
What penalties could an employer face if s/he refuses to give an employee Family Day off?
The Ministry of Labour has a number of options to enforce the ESA, including requesting voluntary compliance, issuing an order to pay wages, an order to reinstate and/or compensate, a notice of contravention, or issuing a ticket or otherwise prosecuting the employer under the Provincial Offences Act (POA). 

In the case of prosecutions that are commenced through the issuance of a ticket, the set fine on conviction is $295. 

In the case of prosecutions other than those commenced with a ticket, the maximum penalty, if an individual is convicted, is $50,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 12 months or both. If a corporation is convicted, the maximum fine is $100,000 for a first offence, $250,000 if the corporation has one previous conviction and $500,000 if the corporation has more than one previous conviction.

or:

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/family/index.html

Don't be affraid to stand up to your "Boss"...




]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c454376</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c454376</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:42:29 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Michele</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Addendum to my last posting:  I didn't mention the part about the holiday being a provincial not federal holiday because I thought that was a given (so banks, postal workers etc., work on that day) and also if your employer provides an employee with 10 or more paid public holidays, the employee may not be entitled to family day.  If this applies to any of you reading it, then this means you have another day off during the year that the rest of us don't (i.e. Easter Monday, Remembrance Day).  Personally, I think the Family Day is a great day and people really should stop complaining and just enjoy it.  ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c440264</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c440264</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:14:08 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Michele</title>
<description><![CDATA[
This is a public holiday under the ESA and as such, employers must pay you 1.5 times your regular rate of pay if you work on that day, in addition to receiving your public holiday pay for the holiday.  If you do not work on that day, you are still entitled to your public holiday pay.  

In addition, someone commented about only having one week of vacation ("July" January 16, 2008) and this is against the law.  Employers must give you minimally 4% of your wages, or two weeks of vacation per year.  

Also with respect to the person commenting on their employer, Rogers, forcing them to use a float day on Family Day, I am uncertain if they are allowed to do this.  I would be contacting the Ministry of Labour 416-326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551 and asking them directly.  ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c440253</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c440253</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:05:26 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sophie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
May I suggest coming to Winterlude in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom and Rogers Crystal Garden will be open on February 16, 2009.  We will even have a special viewing of the New Winterlude Sound and Light Show.
Family Day in Canada's Capital Region during Winterlude, Canada's winter celebration.
Visit Winterlude.gc.ca]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c401339</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c401339</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:09:27 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Julie</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I was excited about this new holiday until I realized that I lose a 'floater' day at work during Christmas.  Now I wish we didn't have it.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262573</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262573</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:01:28 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>John</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I think family date was very misleading to the Ontario People, alot of comments I look at were saying I was just informed I have to work...etc alot of people are working and some have to use float days, and some people are getting "layed off" papers for one day.  Some people in Ontario raising families can not afford to lose a days pay.  If told this is a new stat holiday it should follow the rules as other stat holiday.  I love spending time with my family but at the same time I provide for them.  There are so many loop holes with this day, it really needs to be fixed.  It seems to me that the average joe always has to pay the price in this provice.
Dalton, I hope you have a wonderful Family Day and we know that you will not have to worry about being paid. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262362</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262362</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:58:26 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>jon</title>
<description><![CDATA[
ah shut up!  whaaa whaaa whaaa.  blah blah blah.  enjoy the new holiday.  enough said!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262269</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262269</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:14:14 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Barb</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I work for a major grocery store. We are closed, but we do not get paid for Civic holiday. Good choice or not, we will see how it works for 2008. Enjoy this holiday, people always wanted Heritage holiday, so now we have a holiday in February.  I am sure in 2009, it will be straighten out and more people will have it off. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262041</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c262041</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:51:51 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>dalton hater</title>
<description><![CDATA[
U SUCK DALTON!!!!!!!!!!!! UR STUPId !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW NADDA]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261640</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261640</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:23:13 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Yolanda B</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I think it is a ridiculous idea!!!!!!  Pathetic.  The lIberals have horrible ideas!  I hate the Liberals.  The conservative, should not only be democcratic, but provencial!! Family day is pure stupidity!  Not a good choice dalton!!! i do not suppport ur cheap party at ALLL!!!!!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261637</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261637</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:20:44 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Louarina</title>
<description><![CDATA[
i think the idea is tupid
ppl need to work! not sleep at home!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261592</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261592</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:59:26 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Lonely</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Hello! One quick question .. are gov employees off on Feb 18th ?! .. Plz i need a quick reply thanks to all and i hope we all enjoy this day off! :)

]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261586</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261586</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:48:15 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Agnes</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I think family day it the best thing to have a extra 
day in a year to your family.specially now a days kids they growing paster.
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261569</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261569</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:08:28 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Elizabeth</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I think the Family Day is a great idea.  You get to spend time with your family!

Even though i hatethe lieberal  party, i support the idea. :) Thankyou Ontario, we live in a wonderful counrty! GOD BLESS CANADA!!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261235</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261235</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:22:34 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>gloria</title>
<description><![CDATA[
i think family day is an ok idea.  my kids have laready missed a number of days of school, due to the inclement weathee, so having family day, takes time of school work
 i support it, but at the same time dont. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261220</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261220</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:22:03 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Erica</title>
<description><![CDATA[
We just found out that our company is not honoring Family Day. I think this is absolutely ridiculous!!! I'm sorry, but I work hard and the blahs that this weather brings needs a holiday thrown in.  I think the biggest issue is companies were not prepared for this as it was a holiday that was kind of sprung on them.  I do beleive that next year it will be better as companies can better prepare for it and incorporate it into their protocols.  One thing to remember is that if you have happy employees you have productive employees, I can tell you that I am not too happy to be working on that day and not only working, not having the choice not to work! How am I supposed to respect my employer if they don't respect that we need those holidays to keep our sanity.  I find it unfair that both my employers take off all Jewish Holidays, but yet will not budge on giving us this Family Day off, they also never gave us a half day for Christmas or New Years Eve, we all worked full days....all I'm saying is that employers need to be sympathetic to their employees and realize that this time of the year needs a holiday, it's one day, not a week, it's for Family, let us have that day!!!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261103</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2007/10/february_family_day_tips_for_a_new_ontario_holiday/#c261103</guid>
<category>Toronto, Sports & Play</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:19:46 PST</pubDate>
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