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March 20th, 2019

NDP Bill to make National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Statutory Holiday Passes

OTTAWA — Today marks a step forward towards Reconciliation. NDP MP Georgina Jolibois’ Bill C-369, to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday, passed through the House of Commons.

“This is an important day for Reconciliation in Canada,” said Jolibois. “After 151 years of pain and suffering inflicted on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, there will now be a time to reflect and to build relationships to strengthen the Canadian society.”

Bill C-369 will now move to the Senate before becoming law. Jolibois expects the bill to make progress quickly.

“With Justice Murray Sinclair who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the Senate, I would expect this bill to go ahead without much opposition,” said Jolibois. “I’m proud of the work we did to get this done. We heard from many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people across the country who wanted this done. This is a big day for all of us.”