Bill 637 would amend the Saskatchewan Employment Act and was introduced by Leroy Laliberte, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for First Nation and Metis Relations.

Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and the three northern territories already recognize September 30th as a statutory holiday. It is a federal statutory holiday, so federally-regulated businesses and workplaces in Saskatchewan give their employees the day off.

The NDP was joined by others in calling for Saskatchewan to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a public holiday.  Elder Tom Roberts—a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and a residential school survivor—expressed his support for Bill 637.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the efforts indigenous people have put into helping build their province and nation,” Roberts said. “It took far too long for the federal government to recognize this day. and I hope Saskatchewan will demonstrate its willingness to make this move as well.”

Marilynne MacFarlane, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and Shalene Keepness, a local Metis artist, were also on hand for the NDP news conference