Islander Day is an annual state holiday observed on the third Monday of February; this year’s celebration falls on February 20. This event is for residents of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI). Typically, provincial offices and educational institutions are closed on this day, giving their employees a day off. The purpose of the holiday is to provide individuals with much-needed time to relax, pursue personal interests and hobbies, and spend time with family and friends. It is an excellent reason to spend the day reading your favourite book or catching up with a friend.
The background of Islander Day
Wondering how this relaxing holiday came to be? Let’s take a quick look at the background. In 2008, Islander Day was observed for the first time. When Robert Ghiz was elected premier of Prince Edward Island in 2007, he pledged to create a new island holiday. The following year, he made good on his promise, stating that the holiday would allow everyone in his province to celebrate family/personal time and community life. The province’s legislature declared it a legal holiday on November 28, 2008, after receiving approval on the matter.
Initially, the second Monday of February was designated as the holiday, with the first observance scheduled for February 9, 2009. Nonetheless, this became a problem for federal employees. The Public Service Alliance of Canada determined that these workers must choose between Islander Day and an August federal government holiday. Later, the then-community and cultural affairs minister of the island, Carolyn Bertram, raised the issue with the federal labour minister, Rona Ambrose. Islander Day was supposed to be a paid holiday for workers across the province, according to Bertram. Ambrose agreed to investigate the matter as a federal collective bargaining agreement did not fall under provincial jurisdiction. After additional consideration, the federal committee changed the date to the third Monday of February, effective in 2010.
Due to Ghiz’s assurance and Bertram’s efforts, we now have a three-day weekend to take a much-needed break from work and have some fun.
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ACTIVITIES OF ISLANDER DAY
Unwind and take the day to yourself
On this day off, relax with a cup of hot chocolate and take a break from your hectic schedule. We adore the idea of snuggling up with your children and possibly watching a “Harry Potter” marathon.
Go on a snowy journey
This is an ideal day for outdoor enthusiasts to hike the Cardigan trail, go sledding in Souris, or visit the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale. Alternately, you could spend the day at the Alberton Winter Carnival.
Enjoy a snoga retreat
You must be familiar with yoga, but have you heard of snoga? That is Yoga performed in the snow! Sounds intriguing, wouldn’t you say? This Islander Day, wrap up warmly and enjoy an invigorating Yoga class in the snowy landscape.
Islander Day: 5 FACTS
PEI is the smallest province in Canada in terms of population and land area.
Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the renowned novel “Anne of Green Gables,” was born in Prince Edward Island.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Mi’kmaq, who gave it the name “Epekwitk,” which meant “lying on the water.”
PEI, the smallest province in Canada, contains only two cities: Summerside and Charlottetown, its capital.
The island is the only Canadian province without a land boundary.
ISLANDER DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | February 21 | Monday |
2023 | February 20 | Monday |
2024 | February 19 | Monday |
2025 | February 17 | Monday |
2026 | February 16 | Monday |