Nova Scotia to recognize September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day
*Last updated: September 9, 2021 (originally published September 3, 2021)
The Nova Scotia government announced earlier today, September 3, that it would annually recognize September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day, beginning in 2021. This day serves as a time to reflect on the Indigenous children who were forced to leave their families to attend residential schools throughout the country.
Provincial government offices, public schools and regulated child care will be closed on September 30. Private businesses will have the option to remain open, as they do on other occasions.
The announcement comes after the federal government unanimously passed legislation in June making September 30 a statutory holiday for all federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces.
The Manitoba government has also announced that it would recognize September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day.
*Following the province’s announcement, the government of Nova Scotia published this webpage, which clarifies that September 30, 2021 will not be a statutory holiday. As such, there is no obligation on the part of employers to close their business or to pay employees extra for hours worked that day. Employers may, however, voluntarily choose to recognize the holiday.
This client update is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about the above, please contact a member of our Labour and Employment group.
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