Bill to make Orange Shirt Day a stat holiday in Manitoba fails in legislature
Less than 24 hours before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a push by the Manitoba NDP to make the day a statutory holiday failed in the legislature.
NDP MLA Ian Bushie introduced Bill 200, which would make the day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a holiday across Manitoba. Bushie said the bill has overwhelming support from families, labour, and the business sector.
However, the bill was voted down, and the NDP were quick to criticize the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Heather Stefanson for not voting for it.
“I wonder why the premier wears an orange shirt,” said NDP leader Wab Kinew on the floor of the legislature. “Specifically, I want to know why the premier wore an orange shirt, when she voted against making Orange Shirt Day a statutory holiday earlier today?”
Last month, the PCs said they do plan to make Sept. 30 a statutory holiday, but it wouldn’t happen this year. The party said the legislation is being worked on, and more time is needed to finalize things.
Reg Helwer, Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services, said Orange Shirt Day is already being recognized by the province.
“To pass this legislation would mean that we are doing less in Manitoba to recognize Sept. 30, not more,” he said.
Helwer said consultation is already underway between the province, Indigenous groups, business groups and others about what a holiday would look like.
“If this bill passed today, it would mean all of those consultations were not necessary, and I think it would be difficult to have future consultations if I didn’t take those into account in any legislation I may bring forward.”
Helwer added passing the legislation without thorough consultation would perpetuate the colonialism the day is intended to address.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.