September 30th Declared Provincial Holiday

September 30th has been declared a provincial holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as survivors, their families and communities.

Premier Blaine Higgs encouraged New Brunswickers to take a moment to pause and reflect upon what we can do as individuals to advance reconciliation.

“It is important to recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Premier Blaine Higgs

Government offices and schools will be closed but it is optional for private sector businesses.

Essential services including health care will keep being delivered.

Arlene Dunn, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, said she is humbled to see the government make this important step in the reconciliation journey.

“While this is a day to commemorate the tragic history of residential schools and honour those who did not make it home, as well as their survivors and families, I would encourage all to reflect and be reminded that reconciliation is not just one day of the year,” Dunn said.

A government news release on Thursday said the declaration of a holiday is one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

It also said the Higgs government has either initiated or completed 27 of the 31 Calls to Action that fall under its jurisdiction.