National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a significant holiday that aims to honor the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. It is a day for reflection on Canada’s dark history with Indigenous peoples and the ongoing efforts towards healing and reconciliation. Established in 2021, this holiday was born out of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, specifically Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory holiday to promote public commemoration of this dark chapter in Canada’s history. While this day is recognized federally, the question arises: does Ontario officially recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day?
The Origins of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
The Purpose of the Day
National Truth and Reconciliation Day was established to create a public platform for learning and acknowledging the traumatic legacy of residential schools. For over a century, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. The system was part of a broader effort to assimilate Indigenous peoples into settler society by erasing their languages, traditions, and cultural practices. Many of these children endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, while thousands died due to poor living conditions and lack of care.
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) extensive report in 2015, which detailed the stories and impacts of these schools, National Truth and Reconciliation Day was created to address the past and ensure that future generations understand the importance of reconciliation. September 30th was chosen for this commemoration, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement that started in 2013 to honor survivors of residential schools.
Legislative Recognition of the Day
On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed legislation officially marking September 30th as National Truth and Reconciliation Day. As a statutory holiday for federally regulated industries and federal employees, this day allows them to take time off to reflect on the history and legacies of the residential school system.
Despite this national recognition, provinces and territories hold the autonomy to declare their own statutory holidays. This has led to varying degrees of recognition across Canada. The question remains: how has Ontario responded to this federal initiative?
Ontario’s Stance on National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Provincial Recognition of Holidays
In Canada, statutory holidays are governed both federally and provincially. While the federal government can mandate holidays for its employees and federally regulated industries, provinces control whether or not holidays are recognized within their jurisdictions. Some provinces, such as British Columbia and Manitoba, have opted to formally recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day, but Ontario has taken a different approach.
Ontario’s Response
As of 2023, Ontario does not officially recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a statutory holiday. The Ontario government has expressed support for the goals of the day, but the province has not legislated it as a holiday for workers in provincially regulated industries. While federal employees working in Ontario do receive the day off, most workers in the province, including those in the public and private sectors, are not entitled to the holiday. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government has opted to keep the day as one of reflection rather than a statutory holiday.
The decision not to make National Truth and Reconciliation Day a statutory holiday in Ontario has sparked debate. While some argue that the day should be an official holiday to allow more people the opportunity to reflect and participate in reconciliation efforts, others believe that non-legislative recognition can still allow for meaningful observance.
Why Has Ontario Not Adopted the Holiday?
Economic Considerations
One reason cited for not making National Truth and Reconciliation Day a statutory holiday in Ontario is the economic impact. Statutory holidays can increase labor costs for employers who are required to provide holiday pay or accommodate employees taking the day off. For smaller businesses, especially those still recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another statutory holiday could present financial challenges.
Government Priorities
The Ontario government has also indicated that its focus is on other forms of reconciliation. Premier Doug Ford has spoken about the importance of education and awareness programs to ensure Ontarians understand the significance of the residential school system and the broader history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The province has invested in educational initiatives aimed at teaching the history of Indigenous peoples in schools, which the government argues can have a more lasting impact than simply designating a day off work.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on the matter is divided. Some Ontarians believe that having a statutory holiday would encourage broader participation in reconciliation efforts, while others feel that more needs to be done beyond a single day of commemoration. There are also concerns that a statutory holiday could lead to commercialization or trivialization of the day, similar to how other holidays, like Canada Day, have become associated with sales and celebrations rather than reflection.
How National Truth and Reconciliation Day Is Observed in Ontario
Although National Truth and Reconciliation Day is not a statutory holiday in Ontario, many individuals and organizations still observe the day through various activities and events. These efforts aim to foster understanding, awareness, and action towards reconciliation.
Educational Initiatives
Schools and Universities: While the Ontario government has not made National Truth and Reconciliation Day a statutory holiday, many schools and universities in the province use the day to focus on education about Indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools. Some institutions hold special events, workshops, and discussions to engage students and faculty in conversations about reconciliation.
Workshops and Public Events: Numerous public events are held across Ontario on September 30th to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day. These events include workshops, cultural performances, and speaking engagements by Indigenous leaders and residential school survivors. Many of these events are designed to promote learning and foster dialogue about the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Corporate and Organizational Involvement
While not legally required to give employees the day off, some Ontario businesses and organizations have chosen to recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day in other ways. Many companies encourage their employees to wear orange shirts, participate in educational programs, or donate to Indigenous charities as a form of support. This voluntary observance allows businesses to play a role in promoting reconciliation without formal legislation.
Indigenous Communities
For Indigenous communities across Ontario, National Truth and Reconciliation Day holds deep personal and collective significance. Many Indigenous organizations use the day to hold ceremonies, memorials, and cultural events to honor the survivors and families affected by the residential school system. These events serve as a reminder of the trauma that Indigenous peoples have endured, as well as the resilience and strength that have emerged from these experiences.
The Future of National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Ontario
The debate over whether Ontario should make National Truth and Reconciliation Day a statutory holiday is ongoing. As awareness of Indigenous issues continues to grow, public pressure may lead to changes in the province’s approach to the day. There is also the possibility that future governments could choose to adopt the holiday, depending on shifting political and public priorities.
See also: What Day is Thanksgiving Day 2024 in Canada?
Conclusion
While Ontario does not currently recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a statutory holiday, the significance of the day is not diminished. The province continues to engage in various forms of reconciliation, including education and public events. The decision not to adopt the day as a holiday reflects broader debates about how best to honor the legacy of residential schools and promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Moving forward, Ontario’s approach to National Truth and Reconciliation Day may evolve, as the conversation around reconciliation in Canada continues to deepen.
In the meantime, September 30th remains a day of reflection and learning, offering an opportunity for all Ontarians to engage in the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation. Whether or not it becomes a statutory holiday, the spirit of National Truth and Reconciliation Day is one of understanding, awareness, and commitment to building a more just and equitable future for Indigenous peoples in Canada.