On February 7, 2023, the B.C. Provincial Government introduced a new Bill, which – when passed into law – will establish the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday under the British Columbia Employment Standards Act.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30. The holiday is intended to provide an opportunity to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system and honour Survivors, their families and communities that have been impacted.

All provincially regulated employers in B.C. will be required to recognize the new statutory holiday in the same manner as other statutory holidays, by paying statutory holiday pay, and enhanced wages for employees who work on the day of the statutory holiday, to eligible employees.

Our article on the Federal holiday can be found here.

If you have any questions about this topic, or any questions relating to workplace law generally, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer.