What are we even celebrating?

There are so many holidays and observances in Canada now, that it is really hard to remember them all let alone what they are for. Saying that, I hope everyone had a great long weekend.

But what the heck were we celebrating?

I was surprised to find out that Heritage Day is an optional holiday in Alberta, which began in 1974 to recognize the varied cultural heritage of Albertans. This is not to be confused with Family Day, which is what the Heritage Canada Foundation calls Heritage Day in February. Confused?

Heritage Day in Alberta, is a provincial holiday.

Only Canada Day (July 1) and Victoria Day (May 20) are national holidays, all the rest are set by the provinces. However, the Government of Canada also officially defines Christmas, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter, Labour Day, Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day as holidays because most Canadians acknowledge those days and do not work. Okay . . . huh?

Heritage Day in Alberta, this year on Aug. 5, is called Provincial Day or Civic Day in Ontario, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It’s called Saskatchewan Day, New Brunswick Day and British Columbia Day (you’ll never guess where). In Manitoba it is Terry Fox Day and in Nova Scotia it is called Natal Day (for the birth of NS). Heritage Day in the Yukon is actually on Feb. 22. . . . contd.