SASKATCHEWAN FEDERATION OF LABOUR RENEWS CALL FOR TRUTH & RECONCILLATION DAY TO BECOME STATUTORY HOLIDAY

SASKTOON – Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Lori Johb released open correspondence to Premier Scott Moe calling for Truth & Reconciliation Day (September 30) to be made a statutory holiday:

“Saskatchewan now lags behind other western provinces and territories in creating this holiday. This includes British Columbia and Manitoba. Alberta provincial employees are also given a statutory holiday.

“I would hope that our calls for action and reconciliation would demonstrate how serious workers take this matter.

“We look forward to prompt action during this fall’s sitting of the Legislature.”

Full text of the letter is available below.

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For more information:

John Ashton

Communications & Campaigns Coordinator

E-mail: j.ashton@sfl.sk.ca

September 11, 2026

Premier,

On behalf of the 100,000 affiliated members of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), I am, once again, writing to recommend that the Province of Saskatchewan recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) be recognized as a statutory holiday.

I trust you are already aware of how important this day is to all Saskatchewan workers. Since 2013, this day has been our chance to learn, reflect, and act on the serious impacts that the forceful assimilation and genocide of Indigenous communities through the residential school systems continue to have on our province.

Saskatchewan now lags behind other western provinces and territories in creating this holiday. This includes British Columbia and Manitoba. Alberta provincial employees are also given a statutory holiday.

This is not the first time the SFL has brought this request to you, nor are we the only labour organization to do so. I would hope that our calls for action and reconciliation would demonstrate how serious workers take this matter.

We look forward to prompt action during this fall’s sitting of the Legislature.

In Solidarity,

Lori Johb

President,

Saskatchewan Federation of Labour

Cc:

Hon. Eric Schmalz, MLA and Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs

Carla Beck, MLA and Leader of the Opposition

Leroy Laliberte, MLA and Shadow Minister for First Nations and Métis Relations