The Ontario provincial government recently announced a new framework for retailers. They have the option to open their doors on Family Day and Victoria Day. Hopefully this new initiative gives businesses more freedom to innovate. It makes it possible for employees to be compensated with holiday pay if they decide to work on those paid holidays. Last month, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for just such an amendment — motivated by his own unfortunate experience. He was disallowed from shopping at Home Depot on Family Day, and that inspired his idea for reform.
The proposed legislation would make rules for holiday retail the same across the province of Ontario. Right now, these regulations vary wildly from state to state. The government wants to take a more standardized approach across the province. To do this, they are taking Family Day and Victoria Day off the list of stat holidays that force most retailers to stay closed. We believe this expanded flexibility will be good for businesses as well as employees, opening up new opportunities for economic activity during these busy holiday seasons.
On Friday, the Ontario government released their new Economic Development Plan, designed to give businesses the tools they need to increase their bottom line. The program makes it possible for employees to make additional income by opting to work on holidays. The government acknowledges that this flexibility will be beneficial in the future.
The new proposed law needs to come into effect in time for Victoria Day. This year’s Victoria Day long weekend is May 18. If approved, retailers across the province will have the ability to decide whether or not to open on these holidays, fostering a more adaptable retail environment.
The Ontario provincial government is hopeful for potentially dramatic long-term positive effects from this change. They give retailers the opportunity to open on Family Day and Victoria Day. This backdoor effort to increase local economies’ access to retailers and improve shopping convenience to consumers should be applauded. As the plan develops, stakeholders from across every sector—including our own advocacy community—will be waiting with great interest. They are curious to see how the new regulations will play out.
