Wide-open shopping on Christmas Day, Canada Day, and seven other statutory holidays won’t be a reality in Toronto until at least after the municipal election, Toronto Council decided Wednesday, May 12, afternoon.
The decision came after a sometimes heated debate that touched on both economics and theology, as council mulled a recommendation from the city’s economic development committee to let retailers make up their own minds about whether to open or not on nine statutory holidays.
The committee noted other jurisdictions around North America – and even in the Greater Toronto Area – allow stores to stay open. And the city allows stores in tourist areas to remain open on holidays if they choose.
But it was clear early during council debate many councillors were getting cold feet.
Economic development committee chair Kyle Rae all but threw up his hands when he spoke in favour of the plan.
“The whole of the province of British Columbia, many of the cities in the United States do this,” he said. “I can’t believe the fear, the animosity, the inability to move forward... I am wasting my time.”
Council voted to simply consult further on the plan, which came forward with strong support from Toronto business improvement areas and mall owners – but criticism from religious leaders.
York West Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, who is also running for mayor, took his cue from his faith as a Roman Catholic. He moved that council delete Good Friday, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday from the exemption.
“I think God’s law has to be spoken about,” he said. “Those of us that believe in God know there are certain days that we aren’t supposed to be working and we are supposed to be with the family. We’ve lost track of that because all we want to do is make money – compete with our neighbours, make sure we keep up with everything our neighbour has.”
In the meeting, councillors questioned Mammoliti’s decision to focus on Christian holidays.
“You’re saying Good Friday, Easter and Easter Sunday – those are Christian holidays,” said Mike Feldman. “I’m Jewish. You’re closed on Sunday. I’m closed on Saturday. This is where the problem becomes. Islam says Friday. Seventh Day Adventists say Saturday? How can we possibly say we’re neutral... when you pick out three Christian holidays. That in a city of multiculturalism, is that fair?”
Later, Mammoliti said the Christian religious holidays needed to remain statutory holidays. He said he was voting based on his Catholicism and his religious view, and said it was appropriate for Toronto to continue to honour Christian holidays despite the city’s multi-faith population.
“I think that we have very clearly lived with religion for a long time,” he said. “I think people who have chosen Toronto as their home have adopted that way of life.”
The matter will be dealt with again after the October 25 election. Council asked that the city consult with various communities and also advocates for un-organized labour.