On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5 (the "Bill") received Royal Assent. The Bill amends the Canada Labour Code to add a tenth paid holiday for employees in the federally-regulated sector. The new holiday is designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ("NDTR"). Starting in 2021, NDTR will be observed on September 30 unless that day falls on a Saturday or Sunday which is a non-working day. If it falls on a non-working weekend day, NDTR is to be observed on the working day immediately preceding or following the holiday.
Employers in the federal sector should review their holiday policies to incorporate NDTR. Unionized employers should review their collective agreements to determine the implications of the new statutory holiday.
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