B.C.’s newest holiday will take place on the second Monday in February each year beginning in 2013, Premier Christy Clark announced on Monday (May 28). The decision to select the second Monday in February came after extensive government consultation with the public and private sectors, and citizens directly, stated the official press release.

Record numbers of British Columbians registered their preferences online. The web poll on the Family Day website gathered a total of 31,146 selections, with the second Monday registering a total of 18,202 votes, 9,436 votes for the third Monday, and 3,508 votes of “no preference,” noted the release.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism had encouraged local residents to vote for the second Monday.