Toronto – September 23, 2024 – Recently, the UFCW Canada Indigenous Sub-Committee held an Indigenous Lobby Day, advocating for the recognition of September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a recognized holiday in the city of Toronto, Hamilton, and Vaughan, Ontario. This event brought together Indigenous UFCW Canada members from across the country, uniting their voices in a call for meaningful change.

The committee’s efforts were directed towards city leaders in Hamilton, Toronto and Vaughan, Ontario, three of Canada’s largest and most diverse cities. The goal was to garner support that would enshrine September 30 as a statutory holiday, ensuring that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is formally recognized and observed at the municipal level.

The UFCW Canada Indigenous Sub-Committee also had the opportunity to meet with NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa. During their discussion, Mamakwa outlined the initiatives being undertaken by himself and the Ontario NDP to advance Indigenous justice at Queen’s Park. This meeting provided valuable insights into the legislative support being developed for Indigenous communities.

In addition, the Sub-Committee met with Chief Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange ideas and collaborate on strategies to enhance support and address the needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.

September 30 has been designated as a day to honour the survivors of residential schools, remember those who did not survive, and acknowledge the painful legacy of these institutions. By establishing it as a statutory holiday, UFCW Canada aims to promote widespread reflection and education about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities. UFCW Canada stands firm that September 30th should be a paid Day of Recognition and Remembrance for all individuals living in every province and territory across Canada. 

Currently only the federal government, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day as a statutory holiday. The remaining provinces leave the decision over whether to grant the paid day of recognition and remembrance up to individual businesses. This means that while workers in the federal sector have paid time off on September 30, many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit workers across Canada are unable to get the day off or get statutory holiday pay. 

Add your voice to support the effort to establish September 30 as a statutory holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. By sending a letter to your MPP or MLA, or writing to your local newspaper, you can help push this important legislation forward.