UFCW Canada's Call for Change
In Canada, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as an important moment for reflection, healing, and education. Unfortunately, many individuals are unable to participate fully in this significant day due to insufficient recognition from governments. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada) is advocating for the designation of this day as a statutory holiday across all provinces.
The Current Status of the National Day
The federal government proclaimed September 30 as a federal holiday in 2021 to honor survivors of residential schools and remember the children who did not return home. However, only a handful of provinces, including New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island, recognize it as a paid statutory holiday. This lack of consistency leaves a number of Indigenous workers without the necessary paid time off to engage in communal ceremonies, contemplate with loved ones, and partake in healing practices.
A Unified Call for Recognition
The UFCW is actively calling for all provinces to adopt this day as a paid holiday, emphasizing its importance for Indigenous communities. The ability to participate in observances and connect with family is vital for healing and moving forward collectively. This sentiment resonates with Canadians of all backgrounds, reinforcing the notion that fostering understanding and unity is essential in the reconciliation journey.
Member Reflections
In a series of videos produced for 2025, UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee members have shared their personal stories highlighting the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Their reflections not only shed light on the day’s impact but also emphasize the calls to action that resonate with individuals across the nation.
Voices from the Community
UFCW Canada Resident Elder Eric Flett remarks, "We all need to heal together. I've heard from people who express shame over past actions of their ancestors. This day symbolizes the need for collective healing, which benefits all of us, not just Indigenous people. It's a simple step toward a shared healing process." This perspective underscores the widespread acknowledgment of the need for reconciliatory measures that could foster deeper connections among communities.
Commitment from Leadership
The UFCW Canada National President, Shawn Haggerty, emphasizes that truth and reconciliation are not confined to a single day but require ongoing dedication throughout the year. In his view, acknowledging the National Day as a statutory holiday is paramount for giving Canadians the opportunity to reflect on the damage inflicted by colonial policies and make commitments to continuous efforts toward reconciliation.
Innovative Initiatives for Awareness
In 2025, UFCW Canada commissioned a unique orange shirt design from Shane Kejick, an artist who seeks to elevate urban Indigenous experiences through fashion. His design features a thunderbird, a symbol of strength and resurgence. The message on the shirt, "Carrying Our Ancestors," serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and spirit that propel us forward on our path toward healing and reconciliation.
About UFCW Canada
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada) stands as the foremost union for retail and food workers. Representing over 250,000 members across diverse sectors, including food retail, agriculture, hospitality, and health care, UFCW Canada is dedicated to promoting fairness and improved conditions in workplaces and communities.
Contact Information
For more information, please reach out to Emmanuelle Lopez-Bastos at 416-574-0271.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day dedicated to recognizing the history and impacts of residential schools in Canada, providing an opportunity for individuals to reflect and remember.
Why is UFCW Canada advocating for this day to be a statutory holiday?
UFCW Canada believes that a statutory holiday would enable all workers, particularly Indigenous individuals, to participate in healing activities and commemorations without sacrificing their pay.
Which provinces currently recognize the National Day?
As of now, only six provinces and territories officially recognize it as a paid statutory holiday, allowing for varying levels of participation.
How can individuals support this cause?
Individuals can express their support by contacting their provincial representatives and advocating for the recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid holiday.
What initiatives are being taken to raise awareness?
UFCW Canada has initiated a series of personal reflections and projects, including art collaborations, to promote awareness of the day’s significance and encourage discussions around reconciliation.
