Concerns raised around Truth and Reconciliation Day plans

EDMONTON (CityNews) – Next month, Canadians will pause for the first-ever national day of Truth and Reconciliation.

But along with ceremonies planned for the new Sept. 30 federal statutory holiday, questions are being raised around who gets the day off.

“To hear any employer that they do not recognize it, we consider it to be a very new low,” said a spokesperson for the AUPE.

AUPE is one of the largest public sector unions in the province and it is negotiating with employers like Alberta Health Services (AHS) to see how the day will be recognized.

“We really want them to recognize it’s not just a day to sit at home and lounge in front of the TV. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a day, everyone in this country needs to recognize,” the union added.

“Employers that are refusing to acknowledge the holiday include AHS, Covenant Health, Points West Living, and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).”

AHS told CityNews it’s still seeing if they are obligated to recognize the new holiday and are working with their “wisdom council, on how to best recognize the day in a meaningful way.”

Associate professor Mike Annett says from a human resources perspective, the questions come down to a few factors.

“If you work for the federal government or any federally regulated industries like banking or telecommunications, federal holidays are mandated by the Canada Labour Code,” said Annett.

In B.C., the provincial government has officially recognized the day, meaning more employers are obligated to give time off.

The Alberta government confirmed provincially regulated industries will make the decision on their own, before adding the province will be lowering the flags at the legislature and holding ceremonies.

It said in a statement: “we must not limit our acknowledgment to the legacy of residential schools to just one day.”

But the question for employers is also expectations.

“What is important for an organization to do, or not to do. These are all things we are paying attention to, as we work to give honour and respect,” added Annett.

He says there are things to weigh recommending if you do work, like taking time as an organization to work on your land acknowledgment and checking in with local Metis, First Nation, and Inuit organizations for what ceremonies and events they have planned.