Family Day started in 1990 when Alberta Premier Don Getty's son got arrested. You're planning your long weekend right now. Maybe skiing, maybe nothing. The stat exists because Getty wanted to show family values after the scandal, or so the press claimed. Saskatchewan took 17 years to follow in 2007. BC waited until 2018. Every province eventually copied what might have been political damage control disguised as policy.

Ed Conroy notes the press hostility toward Ontario's 2008 version. Another paid holiday we don't need, they said. But here's what changed. Families now spend time in the same room while everyone stares at different screens. The stat designed to force family connection arrived just as phones made real connection nearly impossible. That's 99% of the problem according to Ed, who's watched it play out. Some people still use the weekend to plan phone-free activities. Most don't. In 1990 Lloydminster, neighbors on opposite sides of the street had different stats because of the provincial border.

The next time you're scrolling alone on Family Day, you'll remember it was created either to help families reconnect or to help a politician's image recover. Possibly both. The irony is you probably need the break regardless of which story is true.

Topics: Family Day Alberta history, Don Getty political scandal, provincial stat adoption, family phone isolation, February holidays

GUEST: Ed Conroy | http://retrontario.com , @‌retrontario

RUNDOWN: Alberta created Family Day in 1990 after Premier Don Getty's son's arrest, sparking accusations of political theater. Ed Conroy maps how the controversial stat spread across Canada through 2018, culminating in BC's alignment, while families became more isolated despite the connection-focused holiday.

Family Day started in 1990 when Alberta Premier Don Getty's son got arrested. You're planning your long weekend right now. Maybe skiing, maybe nothing. The stat exists because Getty wanted to show family values after the scandal, or so the press claimed. Saskatchewan took 17 years to follow in 2007. BC waited until 2018. Every province eventually copied what might have been political damage control disguised as policy.
Ed Conroy notes the press hostility toward Ontario's 2008 version. Another paid holiday we don't need, they said. But here's what changed. Families now spend time in the same room while everyone stares at different screens. The stat designed to force family connection arrived just as phones made real connection nearly impossible. That's 99% of the problem according to Ed, who's watched it play out. Some people still use the weekend to plan phone-free activities. Most don't. In 1990 Lloydminster, neighbors on opposite sides of the street had different stats because of the provincial border.
The next time you're scrolling alone on Family Day, you'll remember it was created either to help families reconnect or to help a politician's image recover. Possibly both. The irony is you probably need the break regardless of which story is true.
Topics: Family Day Alberta history, Don Getty political scandal, provincial stat adoption, family phone isolation, February holidays
GUEST: Ed Conroy | <a href="http://retrontario.com" data-inline-card="" data-card-data="">http://retrontario.com</a> , @&zwnj;retrontario
RUNDOWN: Alberta created Family Day in 1990 after Premier Don Getty's son's arrest, sparking accusations of political theater. Ed Conroy maps how the controversial stat spread across Canada through 2018, culminating in BC's alignment, while families became more isolated despite the connection-focused holiday.

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.