--- title: Updated provincial & territorial statutory holiday legislation for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) description: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday; it’s also recognized in provinces and territories across Canada. Explore the details you need to know for scheduling and paying your employees. image: https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogPost_NDFTR_August30.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.payworks.ca/provincial-territorial-statutory-holiday-legislation-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day#maincontent) [Skip to footer](https://blog.payworks.ca/provincial-territorial-statutory-holiday-legislation-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day#footer-en) ![Many orange flags planted in the grass accompanied by text that reads, “National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: stat holiday legislation across the country. ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogBanner_NDFTR_August30.jpg) # Updated provincial & territorial statutory holiday legislation for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) Aug 30, 2024 [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) ![Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/inTheLoop-ring-150px.png) Payworks Share this article [![Share this on Facebook.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.payworks.ca/provincial-territorial-statutory-holiday-legislation-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day) [![Share this on Twitter.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](http://twitter.com/share?text=A%20great%20article%20from%20Payworks!&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/provincial-territorial-statutory-holiday-legislation-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day) [![Share this on LinkedIn.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/provincial-territorial-statutory-holiday-legislation-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-orange-shirt-day&title=&summary=&source) In 2021, [National Day for Truth and Reconciliation](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2021/07/federal-statutory-holiday-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation.html) was established as a statutory holiday for employees in the federal government and federally-regulated workplaces. Since the passing of [Bill C-5](https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/transparency/open-government/standing-committee/dm-transition-material-2021/bill-c5-national-day-truth-reconciliation.html) on September 30, 2021, other provincial and territorial jurisdictions have also passed legislation making National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday, including [British Columbia](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-truth-and-reconciliation-day-statutory-holiday-1.6740033), [Manitoba](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/41-2/b223e.php),  [Prince Edward Island,](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/province-recognizes-national-day-of-truth-and-reconciliation) the [Northwest Territories](https://www.ntassembly.ca/sites/assembly/files/td_600-192.pdf), and the [Yukon](https://www.yukon-news.com/news/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-to-become-stat-holiday-in-the-yukon/). It’s also a provincial/territorial stat holiday in [Nunavut](https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/newsroom/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-2022-08-02) and [New Brunswick](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2022.09.0514.html), and an optional general holiday at the employer’s discretion in Alberta. In some jurisdictions, businesses and organizations are encouraged to commemorate the day or have the choice to remain open. With this statutory holiday legislation differing across the country, we’ve broken down the legislation by jurisdiction to better assist Canadian businesses in keeping their payroll compliant. ## What is this day of significance? National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba) takes place each year on September 30, on which day businesses are typically closed. In years when September 30 falls on a weekend, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on the Monday following September 30. ## Federal The [federal government](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/public-holidays.html) **and federally-regulated workplaces recognize** National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday. This applies to employees in the federal government and federally-regulated workplaces. **It’s important for Canadian employers to be aware of the likelihood that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will impact and change both their payroll processing and pay dates**, regardless of the province or territory in which they’re located. This is because Payments Canada, the organization responsible for payment clearing and settlement, is federally regulated and as such does not move money on September 30 (or the day on which National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed). For a list of federally-regulated workplaces in Canada, visit: [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federally-regulated-industries.html](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federally-regulated-industries.html). ## British Columbia (BC) As of September 2023, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday in [British Columbia](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-truth-and-reconciliation-day-statutory-holiday-1.6740033) (BC). Eligible employees receive statutory holiday pay whether they work on this day or not. For more information on statutory holidays in BC, visit: [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/statutory-holidays](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/statutory-holidays). Alberta National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [general holiday](https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-general-holidays#jumplinks-2) in [Alberta](https://blog.payworks.ca/your-guide-to-unique-and-tricky-to-navigate-alberta-payroll-legislation?hsLang=en-ca), but is instead an optional general holiday – meaning that it’s at the employer’s discretion whether or not to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an additional holiday. If they choose to do so, all employment standards and rules related to general holiday pay apply. For more info on general holidays in Alberta, visit: [https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-general-holidays#jumplinks-2](https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-general-holidays#jumplinks-2). ## Saskatchewan National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [public holiday](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/employment-standards/public-statutory-holidays/list-of-saskatchewan-public-holidays) in [Saskatchewan](https://blog.payworks.ca/what-employers-need-to-know-about-saskatchewan-payroll-legislation?hsLang=en-ca). The provincial government website states that “it may be observed in provincial workplaces, such as by an employer’s policy or a collective bargaining agreement that includes the observance of federal statutory holidays.” For more info on public holidays in the province, visit: [https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/employment-standards/public-statutory-holidays/list-of-saskatchewan-public-holidays](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/employment-standards/public-statutory-holidays/list-of-saskatchewan-public-holidays). ## Manitoba As of [December 2023](https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/41-2/b223e.php), Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) is a [general holiday](https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc,gen-holidays-after-april-30-07,factsheet.html#q12) in [Manitoba](https://blog.payworks.ca/what-employers-need-to-know-about-manitoba-payroll-legislation-including-important-changes-for-2024?hsLang=en-ca), with **the first recognition of this day taking place in September 2024**. Typically, most employees will receive general holiday pay whether or not they’re working that day. With most general holidays in the province, employers can substitute another day; however, Orange Shirt Day is the exception: employers must recognize the day and don’t have the option of substituting it with another date. For more information on general holidays in Manitoba, visit: [https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc,gen-holidays-after-april-30-07,factsheet.html](https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc,gen-holidays-after-april-30-07,factsheet.html). ## Ontario National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [public holiday](https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/public-holidays) in [Ontario](https://blog.payworks.ca/what-employers-need-to-know-about-ontario-payroll-legislation?hsLang=en-ca). For more info on public holidays in the province, visit: [https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/public-holidays](https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/public-holidays). ## Québec National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [paid statutory holiday](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/working-conditions/leave/statutory-holidays/list-paid-statutory-holidays) in [Québec](https://blog.payworks.ca/questions-about-qu%C3%A9bec-payroll-legislation-weve-got-you-covered). For more info about statutory holidays in the province, visit: [https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/working-conditions/leave/statutory-holidays/list-paid-statutory-holidays](https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/en/working-conditions/leave/statutory-holidays/list-paid-statutory-holidays). ## Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [public holiday](https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/Publications_Labour_Relations_At_Work_Updates_October-2022.pdf) in [NL](https://blog.payworks.ca/navigating-newfoundland-labrador-payroll-legislation-we-can-help?hsLang=en-ca). There are six public holidays in the province; however, different days can be observed in substitution if they’re outlined in a workplace’s collective agreement. For more information on public holidays in NL, visit: [https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/Publications\_Labour\_Relations\_At\_Work\_Updates\_October-2022.pdf](https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/Publications_Labour_Relations_At_Work_Updates_October-2022.pdf). ## New Brunswick (NB) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [paid public holiday](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/es/FactSheets/PublicHolidaysVacation.pdf) in NB, but is a [provincial holiday](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2022.09.0514.html) instead (meaning that provincial government offices typically observe it). For more information about paid public holidays in the province, visit: [https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/es/FactSheets/PublicHolidaysVacation.pdf](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/es/FactSheets/PublicHolidaysVacation.pdf). ## Nova Scotia National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [paid holiday](https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/holidaychart.asp) in Nova Scotia, nor is it designated as one of the province’s designated retail closing days. For commonly-recognized days that aren’t designated as paid holidays under the Labour Standards Code, employers may choose to provide employees with those additional paid holidays. For more information on paid holidays in Nova Scotia, visit: [https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/holidaychart.asp](https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/holidaychart.asp). ## Prince Edward Island (PEI) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a [paid holiday](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-advanced-learning-and-population/paid-holidays) in [Prince Edward Island](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/province-recognizes-national-day-of-truth-and-reconciliation) (PEI). For more information on who qualifies for paid holidays in the province, visit: [https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-advanced-learning-and-population/paid-holidays](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-advanced-learning-and-population/paid-holidays). ## Yukon National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a territorial [statutory holiday](https://yukon.ca/en/find-yukon-statutory-holiday) in the [Yukon](https://www.yukon-news.com/news/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-to-become-stat-holiday-in-the-yukon/). Eligible employees receive a day off with holiday pay. For more information on statutory holidays in the Yukon, visit: [https://yukon.ca/en/find-yukon-statutory-holiday](https://yukon.ca/en/find-yukon-statutory-holiday). ## Northwest Territories National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a territorial [statutory holiday](https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/employees/leave-time/statutory-holidays) in the [Northwest Territories](https://www.ntassembly.ca/sites/assembly/files/td_600-192.pdf). For more information on statutory holidays in the Northwest Territories, visit: [https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/employees/leave-time/statutory-holidays](https://my.hr.gov.nt.ca/employees/leave-time/statutory-holidays). ## Nunavut National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is **not** a [general holiday](https://www.nu-lsco.ca/faq-s) in [Nunavut](https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/newsroom/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-2022-08-02), but is a [public service holiday](https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/staff-resources/public-service-holidays) instead (meaning that public service employees and territorially-regulated businesses observe it). Other businesses and organizations in Nunavut may also decide to observe. For more information on the territory’s general holidays, visit: [https://www.nu-lsco.ca/faq-s](https://www.nu-lsco.ca/faq-s). It’s important for Canadian businesses to stay up-to-date with the legislation surrounding statutory holidays, such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to ensure their payroll is [compliant](https://blog.payworks.ca/weve-got-compliance-down-to-a-science-heres-how-we-can-help-keep-your-business-on-track?hsLang=en-ca). Download a free copy of Payworks’ Payroll Guide to help you navigate federal and provincial holidays and other important legislation: [https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/payroll-guide](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/payroll-guide). 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