In anglophone Canada, the Spring statutory holiday is called Victoria Day (once Empire Day), and scheduled for the Monday next before 24 May, the birthday of Queen Victoria. In Quebec, the same holiday is called Le jour des patriotes in honour of the rebels of 1837-38.

Across the country, whatever language is spoken or culture perpetuated, that holiday is *actually* the official start of Fun Outdoors, observed by mobbing all garden centres, opening summer cottages, camps and cabins, and drinking beer on the porch, the patio, the deck, the front steps, the back steps, or any other external spot not forbidden by liquor licensing legislation or neighbourhood opinion.

May I suggest such a Canadian compromise for our overseas brethren and sistren with respect to the Platinum Jubilee?

Consider it an Official Day Off and do with it as you like.