The people have spoken and the province has listened.

Premier Christy Clark announced Monday morning the province's newest holiday will fall on the second Monday in February.

That means BC's first Family Day holiday will be February 11, 2013.

The second Monday was the overwhelming choice of more than 31,000 people who responded to an online poll asking for a preferred date.

More than 18,200 people selected the second Monday of the month while nearly 9,500 opted for the third Monday which would have been consistent with other provinces.

Castanet polled readers and they agree with the provincial numbers: 628 people wanted the holiday to follow the second weekend while 217 voted for the third Monday. Less than 50 people wanted the day off to be the first and fourth Monday.

The third Monday in February is the President's Day holiday south of the border.

Several industries including the ski industry lobbied to have the BC holiday moved away from the third Monday of February stating ski hills in the province are already busy with US tourists and visitors from other provinces.

"The BC ski industry would like to thank the provincial government for how it has managed the Family Day consultation. We are very pleased with the outcome and we are confident that this decision will drive significant benefits for the tourism industry," says Canada West Ski Areas Association president, David Lynn.

Monday's announcement came after consultation with the public and private sectors.

"Having our own unique day in BC creates opportunities for families and local businesses," says Clark.

"British Columbians will be able to enjoy all kinds of local attractions with fewer lineups and less out-of-town traffic."