Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has announced the Yukon plans to mark September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as a statutory day starting in 2023 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. The Government of Yukon will table amendments to the Employment Standards Act in the spring of 2023.
Last month the Government of Yukon published a What We Heard report following a public engagement on creating a new statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Overall, there was strong support for a new statutory day by 66 per cent of all respondents. Support for a new statutory day was stronger from non-employers than employers. Both groups noted that a statutory day by itself is not a meaningful reconciliation action without ongoing public education, awareness campaigns, special events and programs.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant opportunity to reflect on the tragic history of residential schools in our country and the need for ongoing work to advance reconciliation in Canada. The Yukon plans to begin honouring September 30 as a statutory day in 2023. Our government remains committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We continue to engage with Yukon First Nations to identify meaningful ways for Yukoners to observe this day and how we can continue to advance reconciliation for the benefit of all Yukoners.
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On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed Bill C-5, creating the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”, a statutory holiday every September 30 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. All employees who work in federally regulated industries are entitled to the statutory holiday.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca