How Truth and Atonement Day is observed across Canada

VICTORIA – British Columbia has passed legislation to make the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation a public holiday.

If passed, BC would become the sixth province or territory to establish September 30 as a holiday. Here is a list of how provinces, territories and Canada are celebrating the day.

Canada: The federal government has designated September 30, 2021 as a national public holiday with paid leave for all its employees. It says the day is an opportunity for public workers and all Canadians to recognize and commemorate the heritage of boarding schools and suggests “a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.”

Alberta: The province has allowed employers to make September 30 an optional holiday. An Indigenous Relations spokesman, Ted Bauer, said the province decided to celebrate the day through education and action as it works to create a memorial for a residential school and garden.

British Columbia: Legislation was introduced to make September 30 a paid public holiday starting this year. Labor Secretary Harry Bains said the move follows the federal government’s decision, while Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said the recognition was welcome.

Manitoba: The Manitoba government said in September that discussions about making September 30 a public holiday are continuing. Schools and non-essential government services are closed for the day.

New Brunswick: September 30 was declared a provincial holiday last year. Premier Blaine Higgs urged New Brunswick residents to “stop and reflect on what we can do as individuals to advance reconciliation.” The holiday is optional for private sector companies.

Newfoundland and Labrador: The government said last year consultations continued with Indigenous governments and organizations and the business and labor sectors to make the day a public holiday under the Labor Standards Act. Offices, schools and other provincial government facilities are closing for the day, while the province is encouraging businesses and other organizations to mark the day.

Northwest Territories: The Northwest Territories government last year added September 30 to the list of public holidays, in what the Department of Education described as “a significant step toward reconciliation.”

Nova Scotia: Provincial government offices, public schools, regulated child care and other non-essential public services are closed on September 30. Businesses have a choice to stay open. The day is not a public paid holiday.

Nunavut: The territory announced last year that amendments were made to the Labor Standards Act, the statutes and the Civil Service Act to make the day a public holiday dedicated to government employees and those with territorially regulated businesses is applicable.

Ontario: September 30 is not a public holiday in Ontario. Schools remain open and working as usual. Erika Robson, a spokeswoman for Indigenous Affairs Secretary Greg Rickford, said September was a day for schools, workplaces and communities to honor those affected by the legacy of residential school policies, similar to Remembrance Day across the country province is committed.

Prince Edward Island: PEI announced in 2021 that it would recognize the day as one of eight paid public holidays in the province under the Employment Standards Act. Offices and schools of the provincial government are closed.

Quebec: The day is not a public holiday in Quebec. In 2021, the government said it had no plans to make it one.

Saskatchewan: The province said last year it was not currently considering additional public holidays. Matthew Glover, Director of Media Relations at the Government, said 30 September continues to be an important day for reflection, recognition and an opportunity for all citizens to learn more about the hostels heritage.

Yukon: A bill making National Truth and Reconciliation Day a public holiday in the Yukon was unanimously passed by the territory’s legislature in November. Bill sponsor Annie Blake said the holiday was intended to ensure everyone in the territory could reflect on the “common history of colonialism and remember the heritage of the hostels.”

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on February 7, 2023.

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