Nova Scotia to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30

Nova Scotia will recognize Sept. 30 as the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation beginning this year.

The province said Friday in a news release the day willacknowledge the legacy of Canada's residential schools and the role it plays in the reconciliation process.

"We are taking this step to recognize the importance of honouring First Nations, Inuit and Mtis residential school survivors and their families and communities," Premier Tim Houston said in the release.

Provincial government offices, public schools and regulated child care will all be closed Sept. 30. Private businesses may choose to remain open.

A federal bill to create the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was fast-tracked through both houses of Parliament and received royal assent on June 5 of this year.

The bill was passed after theTk'emlps te Secwpemc First Nation announced the remains of 215 children had been discovered on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Nova Scotia joinsB.C., P.E.I.,Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories in recognizing the day. Schools will be closed in those provinces and territories.

Nunavut will not mark the day this year, but plans to next year.

Provinces including Alberta, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan have said they will not be recognizing the day provincially.

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