National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30

The BC Government has confirmed that members of the public service will receive the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 as a holiday this year.

On June 3, 2021, the federal government announced that Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), had received royal assent and that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed by federal government employees and by federally regulated workplaces every year, starting on September 30, 2021.

Recognizing September 30 this year is an interim measure while the Province begins to engage with Indigenous partners and the business and labour communities to determine the most appropriate way to commemorate this day going forward. The day is granted to public service members on a without prejudice basis for all employees who are normally entitled to provincial and federal holidays.

The PEA has been advocating on our members behalf for recognition of this day since Bill C-5 received royal assent. We will continue to lobby for our members’ to have access to this day as a holiday, as per the collective agreement. Honouring September 30 is consistent with the union’s ongoing commitments and actions to advance reconciliation.