The Region of the Municipality of Queens has decided they will be shutting down for the first-ever Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th.
“Of the many actions recommended in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, we are pleased to see a day enacted federally to acknowledge the terrible legacy of residential schools, and the mistreatment of Indigenous people over the years. This is a day to reflect and remember, to grieve, and to take action, ensuring that moving forward, Indigenous people are treated equitably and with dignity,” said Darlene Norman, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.
The day was recognized as a federal holiday earlier this year as part of the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission back in 2015.
The federal designation allowed for each province to determine for themselves if they would consider the day a statutory holiday. Nova Scotia is one of the five provinces that chose to make it one. They did however allow for municipalities and businesses to make the determination for themselves as well.
Queens announced today that in order to allow their staff to observe the holiday as intended they will be shutting their doors for the day. That means all municipal buildings will be closed for the day, including Queens Place Emera Centre.
Although all non-mandatory municipal services will close for the day regular waste collection is still set to take place and the Queens Solid Waste Management Facility will remain open.
