SFL launches petition, renews call to make September 30th a provincial holiday

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is launching a petition and renewing its call on the provincial government to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30^th a provincial statutory holiday.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon the tragedy of the residential school system, to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools, and recognize the trauma it continues to inflict upon families and communities, as well as to commit to true and meaningful reconciliation,” said SFL president Lori Johb. We encourage all workers and community members to sign onto our petition and call on the government to honour the TRC and make September 30 a provincial statutory holiday.”

Passed by the Federal Government in 2020 after being outlined as a call to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, September 30 is recognized as a statutory holiday for all federally regulated employees. Several provinces and many provincial organizations will recognize the holiday, but the Sask. Party government has again said that they have no plans to legislate September 30^th as a provincial statutory holiday for all workers.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day for workers to be able to take the opportunity to learn, quietly reflect, or participate in reconciliation events in their communities,” Johb said. “The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is committed to reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples. The provincial government must recognize the role they play in reconciliation and the importance of this day, and legislate September 30^th as a provincial holiday.”

The petition can be signed at https://sfl.sk.ca/take-action/petitions/sept30