North Battleford Mayor David Gillan shown at council's online meeting Monday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Truth and Reconciliation Day

City to close facilities to recognize Sept. 30 holiday

Sep 14, 2021 | 3:01 PM

Similar to the Town of Battleford, the City of North Battleford will close its facilities this Sept. 30 to honour the new federal statutory holiday – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Administration made the recommendation to council at this week’s meeting for the city to proclaim Sept. 30 a municipal holiday.

As a result, most city staff will be off and city buildings will be closed for the day.

Council approved the resolution that the City of North Battleford operate at minimal required staffing and that city facilities be closed in observance with National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, to provide city staff the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. As well, council agreed to direct administration to bring forward a proposal prior to Sept. 30, 2022, on how best to observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day in future years.

Jennifer Niesink, who was the acting city manager for council’s meeting, noted that currently all federal, provincial and municipal holidays are recognized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). However, federal holidays are not recognized in both the firefighters’ and community safety officers’ agreements.

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Coun. Kelli Hawtin, who said she supported the resolution, pointed out that regardless of council’s decision, as most of the facilities are operated by CUPE employees, they would likely either have reduced staff for the day on Sept. 30 or be closed, as it is within the CUPE members’ agreements.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow