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Friday, February 8, 2013 - GOLDSTREAM
NEWS GAZETTE
New Family Day evokes mixed emotions Megan Cole News staff
Family Day means sleeping in, an extra day with the family and taking in special festivities, but while many will be enjoying the new holiday, others may be faced with some painful emotions. Robert Gifford, professor of psychology and environmental studies at the University of Victoria, recently “ranted� to his class about some of his Family Day concerns from a psychological perspective. “I think a lot of people are going to be happy to break the long time between Christmas and Easter,� he said. But due to the choice of the word
family, the emotions around the day may vary depending on the individual’s situation. “If you happen to live in a classic nuclear family, or close to your parents or grandchildren, it seems great to spend the day together. It’s a postcard holiday,� said Gifford. The word family may be uncomfortable for those who live far away from their families, have a broken family or are estranged from their loved ones. According to Gifford, the vision of happy families celebrating and enjoying the new holiday may leave those without, cringing slightly at the false or inappropriate promise inadvertently created. Although Gifford is concerned with
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Celebrate ‘staycation’ on the West Shore • Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites offers free entry to youth aged 16 and under to celebrate Family Day from Feb. 9 to 11, with the historical site open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Saturday enjoy a family hike from Bear Mountain into Goldstream Park leaving Mountain Athletic Club at 10 a.m. Free family swim at the heated outdoor pool and hot tub at the Mountain Athletic Club 2 to 4 p.m. • Sunday there’s crafts at The Bear’s Den Cofthe literal meaning of the word, Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong said the term is intended to be more inclusive. “When you talk about family I think you refer to all your loved ones,â€? said Chong. “I don’t know if we could have called it a loved one holiday, that would have been pretty difficult.â€? The new holiday is intended to provide a break for businesses and employees, but also to reinforce the importance of family. “By calling it Family Day we will treasure and value the family. Whatever that is in everyone’s structure, people will spend time together with their loved ones,â€? said Chong. The provincial government also hopes the new holiday will provide an economic boost at a slow time of the year. “I talked to people who said
fee House 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Bingo at Jacks’ Place. • Monday the festivities at City Centre Park in Langford start with pancakes at 8:30 a.m. There some families will celebrate on two wheels with a West Shore Motocross free learn to ride event or enjoy an afternoon family skate and other activities at Eagle Ridge Community Centre. Also Monday, partake in a free family skate at Bear Mountain Arena 1 p.m. to 2:30. From 2 to 4 p.m. enjoy freebies at the Bear Mountain driving range.
they were looking forward to it and planning to do a staycation,� said Chong. “Instead of going away, they are going to stay in town with their family and visit local tourist attractions, recreational activities or the special events planned. There will be money put back into the economy.� Some B.C. workers who won’t be enjoying the day off are federal public sector employees. According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada, their collective agreements provide for 11 designated paid holidays, including a day in the opinion of the employer to be a provincial or civic holiday. Though the Canadian Taxpayers Federation doesn’t have a formal position on Family Day, B.C. director Jordan Bateman said they oppose the $1.5 million
spent to promote the holiday. “That takes it from being a holiday and puts it back in the realm of being a political issue and a vehicle paid for by the tax payer to promote the premier and her agenda,� he said. Bateman isn’t convinced there is a need for the new holiday, but he understands it was part of the premier’s platform. “From my point of view if you have a holiday, let the private sector and other organizations do their thing. You don’t see us plowing grants into Easter Sunday or Christmas Day,� he said. “I think we all know how to enjoy a holiday. I don’t think that’s a problem. I also don’t think we need the government telling us how to enjoy time with our families.� mcole@oakbaynews.com
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Family day fun at the Inner Harbour The provincial government will host a Family Day celebration at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inner Harbour. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. including a variety of presentations from Science World to slam poet Shane Koyczan. Victoria singer-songwriter Aiden Knight, Current Swell and Trooper will take the stage. There will also tours of HMCS Saskatoon. For Family Day events visit blog.gov. bc.ca/bcfamilyday/.
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on February 9th 2013 West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd., 1621 Island Highway, Victoria B.C. will sell the contents of the lockers listed below if the monies owed are not paid and contents removed from the premises; John De Coene 1612C Trevor Van Dykhuizen 1481B Joe Letendre 1438B Phaedra Smith 2909C C/O Lakshmi Imports
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Contents will be sold on location at 1621 Island Highway by process of sealed bid. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on February 9th 2013.