Loblaws Update – Recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

On September 9 2021 UFCW Local 247 called out to Loblaw Companies to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid holiday in BC.

We are very pleased to announce that Loblaws has finally agreed to recognize September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday under the terms of our Collective Agreement.

Loblaws is one of Canada’s most diverse employers and have stated in their core values to committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.   

In 2015, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), a body mandated to tell Canadians about the truth of residential schools, and which has spent years collecting survivors’ stories and compiling historical evidence of what happened there, released a series of reports that contained 94 calls to action in response to the injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

The 80th call to action in that report urged the federal government to work with Indigenous people to establish a holiday “to honour survivors, their families, and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The B.C. Government announced that they will formally recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and has introduced legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday.  To read the full announcement click here.  On March 9^th, 2023, Bill 2 received royal assent.

“I am pleased that the B.C Government has chosen to do the right thing and recognize September 30 as a statutory holiday for all of our members,” said President Dan Goodman, “unlike most holidays, this will not be seen as a day for celebration but rather one for commemoration” he added.

Please take the time to wear an Orange Shirt, have a moment of reflection and let us all move forward together towards reconciliation. 

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day after, let’s all show solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

* The Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of the ongoing impacts of the Residential school system, 1-866-925-4419.