Toronto overturns old regulations and plans to allow shopping malls to operate all day on statutory holidays
Toronto is discussing whether to allow stores and shopping centers to operate on six statutory holidays.
At present, the Toronto City Government is collecting public opinions through online surveys and reviewing holiday business regulations formulated nearly 20 years ago. The investigation will be open until March 4th, and the final report is expected to be released in June.
One side of the debate is retail workers who want to maintain the status quo and, like most Ontario residents, rest on statutory holidays.
On the other hand, shop owners believe that not being able to operate on statutory holidays puts them at a competitive disadvantage, especially since shopping centers in GTA areas such as Square One and Vaughan Mills can operate during holiday periods, while Toronto merchants cannot.
The struggle is to protect the rights they already have and ensure that working conditions do not continue to deteriorate, "said Samia Hashi, the regional director of Unifor Union in Ontario
Hashi pointed out that opening a store on statutory holidays not only affects the time workers spend with their families, but also poses difficulties for parents with children in childcare, and a reduction in public transportation will affect commuting.
Current Statutory Holiday Operating Regulations in Toronto
According to Chapter 510 of the Toronto City Regulations, most retail stores, including supermarkets and shopping centers such as Yorkdale and Scarborough Town Centre, are currently prohibited from operating on the following nine statutory holidays:
New Year's Day
Family Day
Good Friday, Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving)
Christmas (Christmas)
Which stores enjoy business exemptions?
Eaton Centre, some shops, restaurants, and pharmacies on Central Street and Bloor Yorkville in the city center are classified as "tourist areas" and are therefore not subject to holiday restrictions.
In May 2023, the Toronto City Council requested a review of the operating regulations for nine statutory holidays and a study on which stores can be exempted. This review was jointly initiated by Councilor Mike Colle from Eglinton Lawrence Ward 8 and Yorkdale Shopping Center.
Colle believes that the current statutory holiday business restrictions are outdated and have harmed Toronto's economy.
He said, "This is a ridiculous old regulation that hinders the development of Toronto, an important economic engine
If the revision is successful, Yorkdale and other Toronto stores can be open year-round, only closed on Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter Sundays.
Retail workers refuse to make changes
Mary Leonard is a full-time employee of Metro Supermarket and also an executive member of the Unifor union. She recalled that she was present when the city council passed the holiday business regulations in 2006 and firmly opposed any amendments.
She said, "Every once in a while, someone or some company feels like they should challenge this rule again. We've had enough
Leonard, who has 50 years of retail experience, pointed out that these 9 statutory holidays are the only ones she has throughout the year, in addition to the two days off per week.
She is also on vacation for National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th due to the union agreement, but this does not apply to all retail employees.
Leonard said, "We need this time to recover both physically and mentally. Whether it's sitting on the couch watching movies, drinking Coke, eating potato chips, or taking our children for a walk, these times are all important to us
Small business owners: Opening up business can increase income
Small business owner Fred Naggar stands on the other side. He runs Delys é es Luxury Desserts in the Yorkdale mall, which must be closed on statutory holidays, but his stores in Yorkville and Ossington Avenue can still operate. He said, "As a small business, losing one business day has a significant impact on us
Initially, he supported taking statutory holidays to give employees time to rest. But now, the loss of income and discarded food from the Yorkdale store during holidays make him feel dissatisfied. He also stated that most employees are willing to work overtime on statutory holidays because they can receive 1.5 times higher salary.
He said, "For our team, having more opportunities to work is very important
Oxford Properties Group, the owner of Yorkdale Mall, also holds the same view, stating that most employees are willing to work overtime on statutory holidays.
However, union leaders Leonard and Hashi strongly oppose this statement, stating that most employees would rather take a break than receive additional pay.
Leonard said, "Money is not the most important thing at all. Every time we think about upcoming Family Day, everyone feels like they finally have time to rest
Hashi also stated, "The feedback we have heard is that employees prefer to have this period of vacation
Lesley Boughen, a senior executive at Oxford Properties Group, hopes that this policy review will establish clear standards for more stores to be recognized as "tourist areas" and granted business exemptions, just like Eaton Centre.
Boughen said, "Clear exemption standards must be established
She also added that out of the 18 million annual visitors to Yorkdale Mall, about a quarter come from outside Toronto.
The city government will release its final recommendations in the summer, but Councilor Mike Colle believes that the city council will be "extremely cautious" on this issue. They are hesitant about this issue, it's really puzzling
If the final proposal is not bold enough, Colle plans to propose amendments to promote more retail friendly policy adjustments to help local merchants cope with online shopping competition and tariff pressures.
He said, "This is completely outdated regulation that puts us at a competitive disadvantage
Retail workers hope that the city council will refuse any adjustments. We are prepared for a long-term struggle, "said Leonard from Metro Supermarket." Every time this issue is raised, we stand up and fight
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