Wednesday, September 08, 2021
AMAPCEO is pleased to learn that the OPS Employer has chosen to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
This past June, the federal government passed legislation designating September 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to commemorate the history and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada. Since that time, AMAPCEO and many labour and advocacy groups, have urged the President of the Treasury Board of Ontario to observe this day across Ontario as well. The call for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is part of the 94 calls to action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The OPS Employer has said the observation of September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Ontario is on a “without precedent basis” this year – meaning that so far, they have committed to observing it for one year only – as the provincial government is in ongoing discussions with Indigenous survivors, communities, and leaders on how best to commemorate the tragic and painful history and legacy of residential schools and colonial violence across the province. AMAPCEO hopes that the government will choose to observe this day as at least a civil service holiday every year going forward.
AMAPCEO joins the OPS Employer in urging everyone to use this day to reflect on the history of residential schools and colonial violence, and to honour the lives lost, either by availing themselves of resources or by attending one of the memorial ceremonies held across the province.