April 12, 2007
Province Introduces Legislation For New February Holiday
– – –School Contest Announced To Name New Day: Allan
Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan today introduced legislation that would establish Manitoba’s new holiday in February and announced a contest in which students will be invited to name the new day.
“Manitobans have told us loud and clear that they would like a holiday in February during the long stretch between New Year’s and Easter,” said Allan. “It is our goal that next February, Manitobans will have a day off to spend with their friends and families, and to enjoy the many great outdoor activities our province has to offer.”
Manitoba currently has seven holidays. The new day would bring the province to eight which will keep Manitoba’s position below the national average. The new holiday would be on the third Monday in February, consistent with Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The province will hold a contest in which schools will be invited to name the new holiday. The holiday name should be of relevance to Manitoba and reference citizenship, history, culture, the arts, sports or a significant individual.
Each school can submit one entry. The MB4Youth Advisory Council will review the school entries and select a winner who will receive a $1,000 library grant for their participation.
Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth will be sending support material on the contest to each school shortly.
The proposed legislation allows for shopping on the same basis as is currently the case with Sundays and several other statutory holidays.
- 30 -