National Day for Truth and Reconciliation should be a statutory holiday in Ontario

September 9, 2021

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to news that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will not be recognized as a statutory holiday in Ontario:

“Ontario Greens support calls from Indigenous leaders and groups to recognize The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday in Ontario.

It is disappointing that the Ford government does not agree.

Making September 30th a provincial statutory holiday is a step the Ontario government can take on the path of Truth and Reconciliation. BC, Nova Scotia and Manitoba have all formally recognized the day.

This date should be marked as a day of commemoration, learning and reflection in Ontario. Reflection upon the genocidal legacy that is an ugly and very real part of Ontario and Canada’s history. A traumatic, dark and racist legacy that we are reminded of every time new unmarked graves are uncovered across the country.

To move towards meaningful Reconciliation, we must first face the Truth. And a day in Ontario dedicated to education about the horrific history of residential institutions and the impact it continues to have on Indigenous communities today would be a step in the right direction.

I’m urging the Ford government to respect the voices of Indigenous leaders and elders who are calling for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized as a provincial statutory holiday in Ontario.”

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