February Holiday Act Will Give Nova Scotians Break

Nova Scotians will soon enjoy a break between New Year's and Easter, thanks to a new February holiday.

The province introduced legislation today, Dec. 5, to create a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February, beginning in 2015.

Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan said the February Holiday Act will deliver on a commitment to hard-working Nova Scotians, while giving businesses the time they need to plan.

"A mid-winter holiday is something many Nova Scotians want, and now we're able to make it happen," said Ms. Regan. "A new holiday will give Nova Scotians more time to spend with family and friends, just as the majority of Canadians do."

The province will ask young Nova Scotians to help decide what the new holiday should be called.

Six other provinces have statutory holidays in February. It will give Nova Scotia workers and families six statutory holidays per year.

MacLeod Lorway Group, a family-run insurance brokerage, has been giving their company's 75 employees a February break for three years.

"Giving our employees a day off in February has been a great way to boost morale and say thank you to our dedicated staff, without breaking the bank," said marketing and development director Jennifer MacLeod. "Now, so many more Nova Scotians will also be able to enjoy a day off to relax with their families and friends."

The February Holiday Act will amend four acts: the Labour Standards Code; the Retail Business Designated Day Closing Act; the Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act; and the Interpretation Act.