While many British Columbians are facing the winter doldrums, families in Ontario are preparing to celebrate a new winter holiday. But don't expect a new one in this province anytime soon.

Residents in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are all starting long weekends. Monday is called Family Day. Some national advertisers must think British Columbia has one too. Many in this province say we should.

"It's a long haul between Christmas and Easter," says Lois Thompson, "And I find myself really looking forward to Easter and you get that long weekend. I think it's a great idea."

Luba Kearney says this time of year is a little bit depressing adding that, "It would be great to have a stat. I think that's a brilliant idea, to break it up a bit."

Even the political opposition agrees. New Democrat Opposition leader Carole James says it's time British Columbia got on with it.

"You know, working people, families really keep this province going and I think they deserve a little something from this government."

The Liberal government say it's not a priority and businesses are generally against it too. The BC Chamber of Commerce says a new statutory holiday would result in $270 million in lost productivity.

Government House Leader Mike De Jong adds, "I'm not anticipating a specific announcement or move in that direction this year."

So how does B.C. rank across the country:

  • B.C., Alberta and Ontario have nine stat holidays
  • Saskatchewan has 10
  • P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador each have 11
  • Nova Scotia has five

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty