The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is set to become a statutory holiday in British Columbia, the province confirmed this week..“Many British Columbians have been marking Orange Shirt Day with humility, respect, and reflection in their own ways for years,” said Premier David Eby Tuesday..“Today, we are taking the important step to enshrine this day in law to acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past, and to take meaningful action toward reconciliation.”.The move will align BC with other jurisdictions that designated September 30 a statutory day off, such as Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon..Workers in federally regulated industries already have the day off with pay..“This is an important step in our commitment to lasting reconciliation with indigenous peoples in BC,” said Labour Minister Harry Bains.“Having a provincial statutory holiday means more workers across the province will now be able to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, joining those in the public sector and in federally regulated jobs who already had this opportunity.”.In neighbouring Alberta, the province leaves it up to employers to implement September 30 as an optional holiday.
