National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant new addition to Canada’s calendar of commemorative observances, introduced in 2021 to honor the survivors of residential schools, the children who never made it home, and the ongoing legacy of the residential school system in Canada. The observance, which falls on September 30 each year, is a day to reflect on the history of colonization and the need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This article delves into who gets the day off in Ontario, what it means for various workers and sectors, and why it is such an important day for collective reflection and action.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: An Overview
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30, is a federal statutory holiday across Canada. It was first proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada in its 94 Calls to Action, which were published in 2015 after years of gathering testimonies from survivors of the residential school system. The TRC emphasized the need for a national day of reflection to allow Canadians to learn about the traumatic legacy of residential schools and to begin the process of healing and reconciliation.
The date, September 30, was chosen because it coincides with the anniversary of the Orange Shirt Day movement, which was started by Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc woman, in 2013. Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away when she arrived at a residential school became a powerful symbol of the loss and trauma endured by Indigenous children forced into these institutions.
In 2021, the Canadian federal government passed legislation making September 30 a statutory holiday. While the holiday applies across the country, the way it is observed can vary from province to province. In Ontario, as in other provinces, the day is an opportunity for reflection, ceremonies, educational programs, and various initiatives to raise awareness about the impacts of the residential school system.
The Significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Before examining who gets the day off in Ontario, it’s important to understand why the holiday is important. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves several vital purposes:
Commemoration of Residential School Survivors: The day is dedicated to the children who were taken from their families and forced into residential schools, where they faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Many children never made it home, and their lives remain a somber reminder of Canada’s colonial history. It is also a day to honor the survivors who lived through this trauma.
Education and Awareness: The holiday is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the history of residential schools, the intergenerational trauma caused by these institutions, and the continuing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. It’s a chance for individuals to reflect on the role that colonization has played in shaping the country’s history and current societal structures.
Reconciliation and Healing: While National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for reflection, it also serves as a call to action for continued efforts toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It encourages Canadians to take part in meaningful initiatives that support Indigenous communities and contribute to healing.
Cultural Respect and Solidarity: The day highlights the resilience of Indigenous peoples and acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous communities to the broader Canadian society. It serves as a reminder that the process of reconciliation is ongoing and requires collective responsibility.
Who Gets National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Off in Ontario?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first observed as a federal holiday in 2021, but it is important to recognize that not every employee across Canada is automatically granted the day off. Whether or not someone gets the day off depends largely on their employment sector, employer policies, and the province in which they live. In Ontario, the situation is nuanced and varies depending on whether one works in the public or private sector, and whether their employer has chosen to adopt the holiday.
Federal Employees in Ontario
For federal employees in Ontario, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday, meaning they are entitled to a day off with pay, as long as they would normally be scheduled to work on that day. This includes individuals employed by federal government agencies, Crown corporations, and federally regulated industries like airlines, telecommunications, and railways. These employees are required to observe the holiday and may be entitled to additional compensation (such as premium pay) if they are asked to work on the day.
Federal employees working in Ontario are covered by the Canada Labour Code, which ensures they receive the same statutory holiday benefits as other national holidays like Canada Day or Labour Day. For instance, if a federal employee is required to work on September 30, they are typically entitled to a substitute day off or premium pay, as per the provisions set out in the Canada Labour Code.
Provincial and Municipal Employees in Ontario
In Ontario, the situation for provincial and municipal employees is slightly more complex. While the province of Ontario has recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an important observance, it has not made the day a statutory holiday for all workers. This means that provincial employees and municipal workers are not automatically granted the day off unless their specific employer chooses to observe the holiday.
For example, many Ontario provincial employees, such as those working in government departments or public services, are not legally entitled to the day off unless their workplace has chosen to adopt the holiday. However, several Ontario municipalities have opted to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, meaning employees working for those municipalities may be granted a day off, depending on their collective bargaining agreements or individual employer policies.
Municipalities such as Toronto, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay have adopted National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering their employees time off or encouraging participation in events or educational activities in observance of the day. In some cases, municipal offices may be closed for the day, and community programs focused on reconciliation may be offered to the public.
Private Sector Employees in Ontario
For private sector employees in Ontario, the situation is more varied. Ontario’s Employment Standards Act does not require private sector employers to provide employees with a day off on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As such, the decision to observe the holiday rests with individual employers. Some private sector companies, especially those with strong commitments to corporate social responsibility, Indigenous reconciliation efforts, or diversity and inclusion initiatives, may choose to offer their employees the day off, or allow them to participate in special events or training.
In the private sector, if employees do work on September 30, they may not be entitled to premium pay unless their employer has explicitly included this in their contract or workplace policies. However, some businesses in Ontario have made efforts to support the observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by hosting educational programs, promoting awareness through public campaigns, and allowing employees to participate in Indigenous-led events or volunteer opportunities.
Schools and Educational Institutions in Ontario
Educational institutions in Ontario, including primary and secondary schools, post-secondary universities, and colleges, are also affected by the decision to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Ontario government has made it clear that it will not mandate the day off for all students and educators. However, several school boards have opted to observe the holiday by closing schools on September 30, providing students with an opportunity to participate in learning activities related to Indigenous culture, history, and reconciliation.
For example, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has made efforts to integrate the holiday into the school calendar, offering professional development opportunities for educators and providing resources for students to learn about residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the importance of September 30 as a day of reflection and healing.
Similarly, post-secondary institutions such as the University of Toronto and Ryerson University have started offering programs, lectures, and events around National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Some universities may close their campuses on this day, while others offer alternative forms of observance, such as educational workshops or cultural events. Colleges and universities across Ontario are increasingly prioritizing Indigenous education and awareness, with many acknowledging the significance of the day.
Indigenous Communities in Ontario
For Indigenous peoples and communities in Ontario, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holds particular importance. Many Indigenous peoples in Ontario observe this day with cultural ceremonies, memorial events, and communal gatherings. For Indigenous workers and community members, the day serves as both a reflection on the traumatic history of residential schools and a celebration of their strength, resilience, and ongoing efforts to heal.
Indigenous peoples are not entitled to the day off through federal or provincial legislation, but they often recognize September 30 as a day of reflection and participate in events such as drumming circles, memorials, and storytelling circles to honor the victims and survivors of the residential school system.
Conclusion
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important moment for Ontario and Canada to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation. While the observance of the day and the entitlement to time off varies across different sectors, the holiday provides an opportunity for all Ontarians to engage with the history of colonization and consider the actions needed to move forward as a more inclusive society.
In Ontario, public sector workers, federal employees, and some municipal workers are granted the day off, while others in the private sector or working in educational institutions may not receive this benefit unless their employer has opted to participate in the observance. Ultimately, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a collective call to action, encouraging all Canadians to reflect, learn, and contribute to the healing process in their communities.
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