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Getty thrilled by holiday’s spread

Former Alberta premier Don Getty says he’s “absolutely thrilled” to see the February family-oriented holiday that his government introduced spread across Canada.

EDMONTON — Former Alberta premier Don Getty says he’s “absolutely thrilled” to see the February family-oriented holiday that his government introduced spread across Canada.

Getty’s Conservative government held the province’s first Family Day in 1990.

Ontario and Saskatchewan have since picked up the tradition, while the day off is deemed Louis Riel Day in Manitoba and Islander Day in Prince Edward Island.

Getty says the holiday’s expansion shows that the country is rebuilding a tradition of celebrating the family.

He says he had a bit of a rough ride when he first heard from business who thought the time off would be too big a burden, but says they’ve since come around.

Getty says all four of his sons came to visit for the day.