Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there can be no denial that Northerners are resolute when it comes to surviving the cold winter months. We are tough, and we can take whatever February throws at us. Whether it is digging out vehicles buried beneath thick layers of snow or trudging through icy cold wind with a coffee in one hand and a frozen cell phone in the other, Northerners know the winter and it does not break us. We also know that it does not give us any breaks, but our government can, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, I think it is about time Northerners deserve a holiday in February!
Mr. Speaker, across our great snow-covered nation are statutory holidays occurring on a Monday in February. In the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, a holiday is observed on the third Monday of February. British Columbia began observing Family Day on the second Monday of February in 2013. Even in the Yukon, one Friday in February is deemed Yukon Heritage Day. That means two thirds of Canadians live in a province or territory that observes a February holiday.
A mid-winter holiday is something many Northerners want, but more importantly deserve, and we in this Legislature can make it happen. This new holiday will give Northerners more time to spend with family and friends, just like the majority of their fellow Canadians, Mr. Speaker. Who would not want an extra day to spend time with the family, kick back with a cup of coffee, or spend or spend an extra day at the cabin?
Mr. Speaker, although a holiday in February may not seem like the most pressing issue facing this Assembly, a day of respite during the coldest of months is one way to improve the mental health and well-being of Northerners. Stress takes its toll on each of us, Mr. Speaker, and leading research shows that taking a break from work improves our personal relationships, creativity, job satisfaction, career development, sleep quality, general mood, blood pressure, and much more.
Mr. Speaker, consider this a call of action to the honourable Members of this House: it is time for us to take the initiative in order for Northerners to have that well-deserved day of inaction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker