On Sept. 30 city employees will have the day off in remembrance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Services that will either be available or not available include:
- City hall will be closed
- No bus service
- Waste collection as scheduled
- Recycling collection as scheduled
- Sanitary landfill open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last load should be in by 7:45 p.m.
- Kinsmen Sportsplex open regular hours
- Yara Centre open regular hours
- Recreation activities can be booked with the online recreation registration link at moosejaw.ca or within the free city app
- Mosaic Place box office is open 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., while ice is open for reservations as scheduled
- Moose Jaw Public Library is closed
- Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery: The office is closed but gallery is open 1 to 5 p.m.
Royal assent was given to Bill C-5 in June of this year to make Sept. 30 National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This new statutory holiday applies to the federally regulated public and to private sectors, including employers subject to the Canada Labour Code.
“At times, the importance of statutory holidays is lost, so it’s important that we bring this back every year to refresh people’s minds,” city manager Jim Puffalt said at the Sept. 13 city council meeting. All council members were in favour to support the survivors and those affected.
Council also voted to support the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association (WACA). The city plans to meet with the aboriginal community about ways the City of Moose Jaw can support the reconciliation process.
“I believe this is an important move. It is a very small step in recognizing the nightmare that is residential schools for our aboriginal community,” said acting Mayor Dawn Luhning.
“The federal government has stated that this day provides an opportunity for each public service to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.” Puffalt commented. “This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.”
Objective No.7 in the city of Moose Jaw’s strategic plan lists people and culture as a topic. This includes meeting with elders and Aboriginal Peoples to create a relationship.
“Some residents might think that truth and reconciliation doesn’t apply to Moose Jaw because there are no reserves nearby and no residential schools were near here, but this is still traditional First Nations territory,” said Coun. Crystal Froese.
On, Sept. 30 flags at city hall will be lowered to half-mast and the city hall clock tower light will be orange in recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirts can be purchased at the local “Against the Grain” store located at 220 Main Street North.
