The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Our current collective agreements with the Treasury Board and federal agencies include provisions to allow for an additional designated holiday if one is proclaimed by an act of Parliament. As a result, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will become a designated paid holiday and will allow our members in the federal public service and agencies to observe and participate in this important day starting September 2021.
We will be sharing online and in-person actions you can take to support reconciliation on September 30, 2021. Follow PIPSC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and opportunities for you and your family to further your allyship with Indigenous peoples.
This day provides an opportunity for PIPSC members, and all Canadians, to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.
As news continues to unfold across Canada concerning the discoveries of unmarked graves of children at the sites of former residential schools, we are reminded of the painful legacy of unmitigated and profound injustice inflicted upon Indigenous families in this country, which remains unresolved.
This is why we support the calls from Indigenous leaders and the TRC report for the federal government to create an online registry of residential school burials, and to work with impacted groups to develop a plan for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance and commemoration of burial sites.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and anyone affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
If you have any questions about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as it relates to your terms and conditions of employment, ask us online.
Additional resources on Indigenous history and opportunities to support reconciliation