Manitoba could have a new statutory holiday to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day by September, Premier Heather Stefanson says.
“Certainly, I’d like to follow up on that and I just want to make sure we go through a process of respectful consultation,” Stefansson said in an interview this week.
“I don’t want to see it as [just] vacation. This is about recalling truth and reconciliation.”
The day — also known as Orange Shirt Day — was established to honor the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose gift of clothing from her grandmother was taken away on Webstad’s first day at boarding school.
The federal government recently made September 30 a statutory holiday for its workers and federally regulated workplaces.
Manitoba is already marking the day by closing schools and many non-essential government offices.
Stefanson said last December that the province would consult with Indigenous groups, the business community and others about making the day a statutory holiday for provincially regulated workers.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said it was on board with the idea after talking to its members.
“Seven out of 10 of our members said yes,” said Chamber President Loren Remillard.
“Half of the businesses, regardless of what the province does, would close or limit their hours.”
Remillard echoed Stephanson’s goal of working to ensure the day is more than just a paid day off for workers and will instead include ceremonies or education.
The chamber closed its doors to the public on September 30 last year and required staff to undergo online reconciliation training.
“We closed with a purpose,” he said.
The idea of a provincial holiday was pushed by the opposition New Democrats last year.
Passing it for this Sept. 30 would require a bill to be quickly pushed through the legislature, which is not scheduled to reconvene until Sept. 28. Stefansson said that rapid adoption could be achieved with the participation of all political parties.
“I think if there’s a will, there’s a way.”
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