September 30, 2021 Marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept 2021 Charity & NFP Law Update
Published on September 29, 2021
September 30, 2021 is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time for reflection about the legacy of the residential school system in Canada. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. This federal statutory holiday falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led commemorative day to create meaningful discussion about the effects and legacies of residential schools and to affirm the survivors and those affected matter. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. Parliament responded to this call to action by passing Bill C-5 An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), which received royal assent on June 3, 2021. Links to reports from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and to resources from the federal government have been included for those readers who wish to learn more. |