National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Is it a holiday in your province?

Not all employers are granting workers the day off

Today, the Canadian federal government is commemorating the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to recognise the tragic history of the Canadian Indian residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities. The statutory holiday was passed last year, granting federal government employees the day off so they can reflect on the country’s history.

However, this holiday was not declared in majority of provinces, with only New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut declaring it a holiday within their provinces.

In New Brunswick, the provincial government said the day will be “treated as any other holiday for management and non-union employees in Parts I, II and III of the provincial public service.” Collective agreement terms and conditions for holidays will also apply to unionised employees in Parts I, II, and III.

“This holiday will be optional for private sector businesses,” it said.

Prince Edward Island also declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a provincial holiday. However, the government said public events related to it have been cancelled due to Hurricane Fiona. For the Northwest Territories, the holiday will be observed following the government’s move to amend its Employment Standards Act and add the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in its list of statutory holidays.

“Establishing this statutory holiday is a significant step towards reconciliation in the Northwest Territories,” said minister of education, culture and employment R.J. Simpson.

In Nunavut, the territory made changes to its Labour Standards Act, Legislation Act, and Public Service Act making September 30 a holiday for public service workers.

“To some, this day is a day of mourning; to others, it is a day of quiet reflection. Some will feel it is a day for conversation, while others will use this as a day of activism and expression. No matter how you observe this day, I encourage you do so in a safe and supportive environment,” said premier P.J. Akeeagok.

 

Other provinces, territories

In British Columbia, the government urged public sector employers to observe the statutory holiday. Alberta, on the other hand, said it is up to employers if they want to implement the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a holiday in their workplace.

Manitoba is also commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation but talks on making it a statutory holiday are still underway. Premier Heather Stefanson previously said that they’ll support various community events and initiatives that will promote the history and legacy of residential schools.

 

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the government said it will observe the holiday and urged businesses to do the same.

“Businesses and other organisations in the province are encouraged to commemorate the Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” read the government announcement. “Government offices, schools, and other entities will be closed on September 30 as the provincial public service will once again join Canadians in commemorating survivors and stand with families and communities who are grieving.”

In Nova Scotia, the province also commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation but did not make it a paid general holiday under its Labour Standards Code.

“Provincial government offices, public schools and regulated childcare will be closed,” the provincial government said in a statement. “Currently, Truth and Reconciliation Day is not a paid general holiday under Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code, nor a retail closing day.”

In Ontario, September 30 is not a statutory holiday. But Premier Doug Ford is expected to attend an unveiling of a garden to “recognise the enduring treaty relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples.” 

In Quebec, the government did not declare National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a provincial holiday. Saskatchewan also didn’t declare the day as a holiday, but the government said in an announcement that it is recognising the day as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“All residents, including public employees and students, are encouraged to wear orange on this day to recognise Orange Shirt Day and commemorate the legacy of residential schools and honour survivors,” said the government announcement.

The Yukon government said it will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today.

“As a federal statutory day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation applies to employees of the federal government and federally regulated industries,” read the government announcement. “This statutory day also applies to Government of Yukon employees and territorial government offices, schools, and courts will be closed. Private sector employers can observe the day at their discretion.”

 

Full article Here

Source: HRD – Human Resources Director

 
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Jessica Gershonovitch

Conseillère en Acquisition de talents

Titulaire d’un baccalauréat en psychologie et d’un diplôme postuniversitaire en gestion des ressources humaines, Jessica possède une solide expertise en RH, enrichie par des expériences en Ontario et au Québec. Avec plus de sept ans d’expérience dans divers secteurs, elle a accompagné des entreprises de toutes tailles, de PME en croissance à de grandes organisations.

Reconnue pour son professionnalisme, son sens de l’initiative et sa capacité à créer des liens solides, elle conçoit des solutions sur mesure pour aider les entreprises à attirer les meilleurs talents et favoriser leur croissance.

En tant que consultante en acquisition de talents, elle allie compréhension humaine et stratégie organisationnelle pour garantir un excellent alignement entre candidats et clients.

Chaleureuse et dynamique, Jessica est passionnée par les relations humaines, adore rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et relever de nouveaux défis avec enthousiasme.

Jessica Gershonovitch

Talent Acquisition Consultant

With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management, Jessica brings strong expertise in HR, shaped by her experience in both Ontario and Quebec. Over the past seven years, she has worked across various industries, supporting companies of all sizes—from growing mid-sized businesses to large, established organizations.

Jessica is recognized for her professionalism, initiative, and exceptional relationship-building skills. She delivers tailored recruitment strategies that help businesses attract top talent and drive growth.

As a Talent Acquisition Consultant, she combines a deep understanding of people, roles, and business needs to create perfect matches between clients and candidates.

Outside of work, Jessica is warm, energetic, and passionate about building meaningful connections. She enjoys meeting new people, spending time with loved ones, and embracing new adventures with a contagious enthusiasm.

Fiorenza Capitanio

Spécialiste de la paie et avantages sociaux

Professionnel de la paie et des ressources humaines avec plus de 20 ans d’expérience en paie, avantages sociaux, rémunération et comptabilité.

Fiorenza est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en programmation. Elle tombe amoureuse de la comptabilité et de la paie et obtient un diplôme professionnel suivi d’une certification de spécialiste de la paie.

Ayant une solide expérience en programmation, elle excelle dans l’implantation de nouveaux systèmes de paie. Elle est trilingue (anglais, français et italien) et a travaillé avec des multinationales s’occupant de la paie dans toutes les provinces canadiennes et dans plusieurs pays. Elle possède une connaissance approfondie des processus de paie, des législations et de la conformité.

Son adaptabilité et ses compétences en résolution de problèmes font d’elle une ressource de confiance pour toute organisation cherchant à rationaliser et optimiser ses opérations de paie.

En dehors du travail, vous la trouverez dans la cuisine en train de cuisiner pour la famille et les amis. Pendant son temps libre, elle aime chanter et découvrir de nouveaux endroits.

Fiorenza Capitanio

Benefits & Payroll Specialist

Fiorenza is a seasoned Payroll & Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in payroll processing, benefits administration, compensation, and accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in programming, which has given her a strong technical foundation in payroll system implementation and optimization.

Her passion for accounting and payroll led her to earn a professional degree, followed by a payroll specialist certification. Throughout her career, she has worked with multinational corporations, managing multi-country and Canadian provincial payrolls. As a trilingual expert (English, French & Italian), she effectively navigates global payroll regulations, ensuring compliance with payroll legislations and tax requirements.

Fiorenza’s problem-solving skills and adaptability make her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to streamline payroll operations and enhance efficiency. Her deep expertise in payroll compliance and system integration positions her as a trusted payroll consultant in the industry.

Beyond work, Fiorenza enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends. In her free time, she loves to sing and explore new destinations.

Pascale Guichard

Consultante Acquisition de talents

Pascale a occupé plusieurs postes en tant que Consultante en acquisition de talents. Elle a aussi été coach carrière et conseillère juridique en droit de l’emploi. Elle est spécialisée dans le recrutement corporatif de cadres exécutifs et professionnels ainsi que dans le recrutement pour l’industrie juridique. Pascale est passionnée par les ressources humaines et le recrutement ainsi que par l’enseignement qu’elle a pratiqué durant plus de 10 ans en France où elle enseignait en droit de l’emploi et les RH. Quand elle ne travaille pas, Pascale aime voyager, cuisiner, la marche et la randonnée et passer beaucoup de temps avec son mari et ses amis. Pascale est très dévouée et elle aime particulièrement accompagner les candidats dans leur recherche d’emploi et les guider dans les meilleurs choix de parcours professionnel. Elle est reconnue pour l’excellence de son service envers ses clients et les candidats.

Pascale Guichard

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Pascale has held several positions as a Talent Acquisition Consultant. She has also been a career coach and legal advisor in employment law. She specializes in corporate recruitment of executives and professionals as well as in recruitment for the legal industry. Pascale is passionate about human resources and recruitment as well as teaching, which she practiced for over 10 years in France where she taught employment law and HR. When she is not working, Pascale enjoys traveling, cooking, walking and hiking, and spending a lot of time with her husband and friends. Pascale is very dedicated and she particularly enjoys supporting candidates in their job search and guiding them in the best career path choices. She is recognized for the excellence of her service to her clients and candidates.