The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed for the first time September 30, 2021

On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) (“Bill C-5”), received Royal Assent. Bill C-5 came into force on August 3, 2021.

Bill C-5 amended the Canada Labour Code to establish the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a new federal general holiday. The purpose of this new general holiday is to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure the public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed by the federal government and by federally regulated workplaces each year on September 30th.

Employers governed by the Canada Labour Code should review their collective agreements and employment contracts to determine their obligations with respect to the new holiday. It is unknown whether provincial legislatures will take steps to amend provincial employment standards legislation to recognize an equivalent provincial statutory holiday.

For advice specific to your situation, consider contacting your regular lawyer at Rae Christen Jeffries LLP.