The Manitoba government plans to recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day for a second year, while discussions continue to make it an official holiday. The province says in a new announcement that non-essential government services and offices will be closed on Sept. 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Schools in the province will also remain closed for the day. The Government is encouraging all licensed early education and childcare facilities to remain open as essential services that support families. Labor Minister Reg Helver says legislation to make the day a public holiday in the province has yet to be introduced as consultations continue with Indigenous leadership, school survivors and other stakeholders. The federal government made the day a statutory holiday for its employees and federally regulated workplaces last year. The province says it has consulted with the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the chief and council of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, the Manitoba Inuit Association, the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Manitoba Treaty Commission. “The government of Manitoba is committed to promoting truth and reconciliation. The day is a time for truth-telling and learning to move us into action to build a more inclusive and brighter future for all,” Helwer said in a announcement on Thursday. An engagement session was held in the spring with school survivors. The province’s Labor Management Review Committee has been tasked with providing recommendations to recognize Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday, the release said. Orange Shirt Day was established in honor of Phyllis Webstad, whose gift of clothes from her grandmother was taken away on her first day at a residential school. The province says flags on all provincial government buildings will be flown at half-mast that day. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 15, 2022.
