The Manitoba government has recently proposed a new legislation to declare a provincial statutory holiday in honor of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Premier Wab Kinew and Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino announced the introduction of Bill 4, also known as the Employment Standards Code Amendment and Interpretation Amendment Act by the Manitoba government on Nov. 27. This legislation would officially recognize Sept. 30 as a provincial statutory holiday, specifically designated as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Manitobans from all walks of life are ready to embrace reconciliation—whether it’s participating in school events, wearing a WASAC jersey to a Jets game or talking to their kids about our history and the future we want,” said Kinew. “Legislating Sept. 30 as a general holiday creates space for all Manitobans to come together in observation, reflection and commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools.”
The proposed legislation aims to make Sept. 30 a provincial statutory holiday in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80.
“Sept. 30 is a day of remembrance dedicated to honouring residential school survivors, their families, and communities,” said Marcelino. “This legislation would allow everyone, wherever they work, to have the opportunity to take part in commemorative events that promote education, understanding and healing.”
The proposed legislation was developed following significant consultations with Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors and stakeholders from all over the province.
