B.C. will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

James Smith

Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
Jimmy.Smith@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Media Relations
250 896-4348

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 213-8637

Backgrounders

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation facts
  • The proposed legislation will designate Sept. 30 as a provincial statutory holiday beginning this year and for every year thereafter.
  • The Employment Standards Act will also be amended, as it sets out the legislative powers to allow for “statutory holidays” as mandated days off, unless required to work, in which case an employee is then paid premium rates. 
  • Employees under B.C.’s Employment Standards Act are eligible to be paid for a statutory holiday after they have been employed for 30 calendar days and have earned wages on 15 of the 30 days before the statutory holiday.
  • In British Columbia, provincial public-sector employers, including public schools, have recognized the federal holiday on Sept. 30 since 2021.
  • In many cases, collective agreements require employers to recognize federal statutory holidays.
  • In June 2022, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, First Nations Summit and B.C. Assembly of First Nations passed resolutions in 2022 calling on the B.C. government, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, to make Sept. 30 a statutory holiday.

Media Contacts

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Media Relations
250 896-4348

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 213-8637
Supports available to Indigenous Peoples

The following supports are available to Indigenous Peoples:

  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line:
    • Provides supports for former residential school students and those affected
    • Access emotional and crisis referral services
    • Call the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866 925-4419
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline:
    • Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada
    • Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counsellor at www.hopeforwellness.ca
  • The KUU-US Crisis Line Society:
    • Provides crisis services for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
    • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free across the Province at 1 800 588-8717
    • Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Adult/Elders line at 250 723-4050 or the Children/Youth Line at 250 723-2040
    • More information is available at www.kuu-uscrisisline.com
  • Métis Crisis Line:
    • A service provided by Métis Nation British Columbia
    • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free across the Province at 1 833 638-4722

Media Contacts

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Media Relations
250 896-4348

Ministry of Labour

Media Relations
250 213-8637