TORONTO, May 13, 2010 – The Catholic Civil Rights League is pleased that Toronto City Council voted yesterday to defer a proposal to give retailers the option to open 365 days a year, in keeping with a motion by the city’s economic development committee.
The proposal would have allowed stores to open on all statutory holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s, Good Friday. As we noted in a statement to our membership and to the mayor and council, it’s impossible to predict how many would avail themselves of this choice. However, the move to end the very few common holidays still permitted to retail employees should be opposed. We have already seen how Sunday shopping moved from a limited option to an almost universal practice, disrupting religious and family time, creating traffic problems and in practice giving little choice to employees and businesses.
“While this motion has been deferred, it will likely come back after the next election,” said Joanne McGarry, League executive director. “The League urges its membership to take part in public consultations about retail openings. Families need common holidays in order to have time together, including time for religious observance.”
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca
Council puts off wrangling with holiday shopping, Star, May 12
Collins fights city hall on shopping, Catholic Register, May 12