The Government of Yukon has published a What We Heard report following a public engagement on creating a new statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The survey also sought to understand the economic impact that a new statutory day might have on the local business community and economy.
The Yukon Bureau of Statistics hosted the survey from March 8 to April 30, 2022, which drew responses from 1,294 members of the public, First Nations, businesses and other stakeholders.
Overall, there was strong support for reconciliation action by 66 per cent of all respondents. However, support was mixed for a new statutory day. Support was stronger from non-employers than employers. Both groups noted that a statutory day by itself is not a meaningful reconciliation action without ongoing public education, awareness campaigns, special events and programs.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Thank you to all Yukoners and the local businesses that responded to the survey on creating a statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will continue engaging with Yukon First Nations to identify meaningful ways for Yukoners to observe this day and how we can continue to advance reconciliation.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed Bill C-5, creating the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” a statutory holiday every September 30 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. All employees who work in federally regulated industries are entitled to the statutory holiday.
Overall mixed support for the statutory day was registered in all categories of respondents:
- 66 per cent of all respondents are in favour of the statutory day;
- 39 per cent of employers and 74 per cent of non-employers responded that they are in favour;
- 76 per cent of Indigenous respondents support a new statutory day compared to non-Indigenous Yukoners (64 per cent);
- 43.2 per cent of employers said that a new statutory day for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation would have a high impact on their human resources and staffing;
- 58 per cent of employers agreed that a new statutory day would create additional labour costs for Yukon organizations; and
- 42 per cent of all respondents strongly agreed that a new statutory day would provide opportunities to celebrate, explore, and respect the Indigenous cultures.
Employees regulated by Yukon’s Employment Standards Act are currently not entitled to this statutory day or pay in lieu.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca