Push to repeal bylaw allowing stores north of Toronto to open on Family Day
Labour groups and some politicians are pushing to repeal a bylaw that allows retailers north of Toronto to stay open on holidays such as Family Day.
Councillors in York Region, which consists of nine municipalities including Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill, Ont., voted 17-3 in favour of the Holiday Shopping Bylaw in November.
The legislation exempts all businesses from a provincial law requiring them to close on nine statutory holidays each year. They’re now able to open, if they choose, for 364 days per year — every day except Dec. 25.
The Toronto and York Region Labour Council has drafted a petition urging York Region to reconsider the bylaw, saying the extra days will cut into retail workers’ valuable time with their families.