One step closer

Winnipeg edging toward officially recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The mayor's executive policy committee (EPC) voted on Tuesday to formally recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday created in June.

If approved by council, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on Sept. 30 will become an annual paid holiday for all civic employees. The NDTR will run in tandem with Orange Shirt Day, which is held on Sept. 30 to commemorate the dark legacy of Canada's Indigenous residential school system.

Recognizing the NDTR builds on several initiatives put forward by the city to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, Mayor Brian Bowman explained Tuesday.

“I'm proud of our continued commitment to truth and reconciliation,” he said in a news conference. “I want to thank all those businesses, as well, that are rightfully recognizing this first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”

The holiday will cost the city around $1.74 million for its 10,500 employees in 2021. According to a public service report, the cost will be absorbed by departmental savings, or a transfer from the city's rainy day fund. The financial implications for subsequent years will be referred to future budget processes.

“There's also a cost to Canadians for not responding to the calls to action that far surpass any short-term costs,” Bowman added. “This is the largest centre with the largest Indigenous community in Canada, and it's growing.”

On Sept. 30, city flags across Winnipeg will be lowered and the Winnipeg sign lit orange in recognition of those who suffered or died in residential schools and their families.

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, told the Sun Tuesday EPC made the right choice in recognizing the holiday.

He hopes all councillors will vote in favour of the holiday during the next sitting of council. Like Bowman, Chartrand said Winnipeg has the highest Indigenous population in Canada, adding Manitoba also has strong Indigenous governments.

“Truly, I would've been very upset if they wouldn't have given the time off for all the employees,” he said. “I've heard they are going to dress in orange and reflect on history. Ask yourself the question, what does it mean if you were in that situation in your family? What would it have done to you? I think it'll be great for non-indigenous people to reflect on that day.”