Wondering why you might have the day off today? I did a little research and found out the basic origins of BC Day, and they really are quite basic:
In 1974 a fellow named Ernie Hall (who was the then Provincial Secretary under Premier Dave Barrett) introduced a bill "to recognize the pioneers of British Columbia by declaring the first Monday of August in each year to be a public holiday known as British Columbia Day.". The reason? At the time every other province in the country had a similar holiday on August 1st (or near to it) so they figured what the hell, we might as well too, right?
"We feel that British Columbia, like every other province could benefit and should have a holiday around August 1. We feel that the holiday should be dedicated to the pioneers who built the colony of British Columbia into the great province it is today..."
That's why you might have the day off today. Enjoy it!
