The move would serve as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action Number 80.
Should it pass through the Legislature, as it is anticipated that it will, it would allow more British Columbians to participate in local commemoration or education events.
Premier David Eby observed of the important step the legislation brings towards more action on reconciliation.
“Many British Columbians have been marking Orange Shirt Day with humility, respect and reflection in their own ways for years. Today, we are taking the important step to enshrine this day in law to acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past, and to take meaningful action toward reconciliation.”
Phyllis Webstad who has been one of the pivotal organizers towards the Orange Shirt Day Society and movement, noted how the move by the province will serve to educate and inform British Columbians.
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| Phyllis Webstad spoke as part of today's follow up information session on the government initiative |
“One day there will be no survivors left in Canada. What is forgotten is often repeated. With the federal government passing legislation to make Orange Shirt Day, September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and now the B.C. provincial government announcing this legislation today, it will help to ensure that what happened to us will never happen again and will never be forgotten.”
More on the work of the Orange Shirt Society can be found here.
Towards more on today's initiative, the Province has provided a background piece to highlight how the move to a statutory holiday will evolve.
The announcement and introduction of the legislation was applauded by a number of Indigenous Leaders across British Columbia. their thoughts and more on the announcement today can be reviewed here.
A video of the follow up discussion towards the legislation can be reviewed below:
More items of interest from the BC Legislature can be explored through our archive page.
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