Manitoba could have a new legal holiday to mark National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in September, says Prime Minister Heather Stefanson.
“Certainly, I would like to move forward and I just want to make sure we go through a respectful consultation process,” Stefanson said in an interview this week.
“I don’t want to see how [just] a holiday. It is a reminder of truth and reconciliation. “
The day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, was set in honor of Phyllis Webstad’s experience, the gift of her grandmother’s clothes was taken to Webstad’s first day at a residential school.
The federal government recently made the day, which falls on Sept. 30, a legal holiday for its federally regulated workers and jobs.
Manitoba is already marking the day by closing schools and many non-essential government offices.
Stefanson said last December that the province would consult with indigenous groups, the business community and others to turn the day into a holiday for provincially regulated workers.
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce said it agrees with the idea after talking to its members.
“Seven out of 10 of our members said yes,” House Speaker Loren Remillard said.
“Half of the businesses, regardless of what the province does, would close or restrict their hours.”
Remillard echoed Stefanson’s goal of working to ensure that the day is more than a paid day off for workers and would instead involve ceremonies or education.
The chamber closed its doors to the public on September 30 and demanded that staff conduct online training on reconciliation.
“We closed with a purpose,” he said.
The idea of a provincial party was pushed by the new opposition Democrats last year.
Getting it by this September 30th would require a bill to be learned in the legislature, which is not expected to meet again until September 28th. Stefanson said a quick step can be achieved with all political parties on board.
“I think if there’s a will, there’s a way.”