The Province has declared September 30 as a day of commemoration of the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools. This follows a Federal announcement in June marking the date as a day of commemoration that would be observed by federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces.
The Province advises provincial public-sector employers to honour the day, in recognition of the obligations in the vast majority of collective agreements. They further note that “Many public services will remain open but may be operating at reduced levels. However, most schools, post-secondary institutions, some health sector workplaces, and Crown corporations will be closed.”
The Province has also indicated that they will be working with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities in coming months to determine the best and most respectful ways to mark the day in British Columbia, followed by engagement with business and labour leaders to determine how to commemorate the national day in future years.