August 30, 2018
The Federal Government of Canada recently announced its plan to create a new statutory holiday, National Indigenous Peoples Day. Bill C-369 was introduced in the House of Commons, and is currently in its second reading. If passed, it would result in the implementation of a new statutory holiday for all federally regulated employers.
The purpose of this statutory holiday is to acknowledge and commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. The creation of this statutory holiday was based on one of the 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 2015 report. The Commission was established to document the history and impacts of the Indian residential school. The report outlined 94 ‘calls to action’ regarding reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous peoples.
Keep in mind that if passed, this statutory holiday would only be mandatory for all federally regulated workplaces. Companies whose operations are provincially regulated would not be legally required to provide its employees with this paid holiday.
If you have any questions regarding this holiday or statutory holidays in Canada generally, please contact an e2r™ Advisor to discuss.