Canada: Public holiday on Sept. 30 nationwide for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Event

Canada is marking the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) Sept. 30 across the country to address the legacy of indigenous residential schools. Federal government offices will be closed on the day, but different provinces and territories are taking differing approaches. The following measures have been announced in individual provinces:

• British Colombia: Government offices may have reduced hours, and some healthcare clinics will be closed. Schools will be closed.

• Manitoba: Nonessential provincial government offices and schools will be closed.

• New Brunswick: Some municipal offices will be closed, including in Moncton and Fredericton.

• Newfoundland and Labrador: Government offices and schools will be closed.

• Northwest Territories: Sept. 30 is a statury holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.

• Nova Scotia: Provincial government offices, schools, and day cares will be closed.

• Nunavut: Sept. 30 is a statutory holiday. Government offices, businesses, and schools will be closed.

• Ontario: Banks will be closed.

• Prince Edward Island: Sept. 30 is a statutory holiday, with government offices, businesses, and schools closed.

• Quebec: Financial institutions will be closed.

• Saskatchewan: Municipal government offices in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert will be closed.

• Yukon: Government offices and schools will be closed.

A number of public ceremonies will also be held across the country to mark the occasion, particularly at government offices and schools.

Peaceful demonstrations with an elevated security presence are likely at government sites and churches across the country. Business closures and interruptions to nonessential government services are likely Sept. 30 depending on the location. Business disruptions due to school closures on Sept. 30 are likely in some jurisdictions. Localized transit disruptions from official events or spontaneous demonstrations are possible.

Context

The "Indian Residential School" program was first formed in the 19th century; the last school closed in 1996. The government of Canada often required indigenous families to send their children to these schools. The legacy of these schools on indigenous communities, reports of abuse and neglect of children, and the discovery of alleged unmarked graves near the site of several of these schools in 2021 provoked controversy in Canada leading to the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Advice

Plan accordingly for business and transport disruptions. Verify appointments with government services through Sept. 30, as cancellations or reduced hours are possible.