Monday marked Heritage Day in Nova Scotia, Islander Day on Prince Edward Island, but it was just another Monday in New Brunswick. But the New Brunswick government says that may change come 2017.
“We have committed to doing a review on what some of the pros and cons would be,” said New Brunswick Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers.
Rogers says a review will be carried out in the months to come to see if New Brunswick will add to the seven statutory holidays already on its calendar.
“Definitely there are some advantages for families,” said Rogers. “We know family is important to us, it's one of our key platform commitments is to make New Brunswick the best place to raise a family.”
But some businesses are concerned the holiday may come with a cost.
“Most small business owners are family people as well, so we celebrate that, but it’s very challenging to absorb more costs especially when government has just increased corporate tax (and) increased HST,” said Krista Ross of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
New Brunswick Opposition Leader Bruce Fitch says the addition of a new holiday should be scrutinized.
“We've got to make sure it’s not just a political knee-jerk reaction, putting more stress on the economy,” said Fitch.
The New Brunswick government has not indicated when it will make a decision. The next statutory holiday on the calendar for everybody is March 25 for Good Friday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
