The notion of a statutory holiday every Sept. 30 has drawn mixed reviews from Yukoners, a consultation exercise suggests.

Not surprisingly, enthusiasm was stronger from workers than from employers.a

The territorial government has published a What We Heard report on the matter. It follows a public engagement on creating a new statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The survey also sought to understand the economic impact that a new statutory day might have on the local business community and economy, the government noted Wednesday.

The Yukon Bureau of Statistics hosted the survey from March 8 to April 30. It drew responses from 1,294 members of the public, First Nations, businesses and other stakeholders.

“Overall, there was strong support for reconciliation action by 66 per cent of all respondents,” the government said in a statement.

“However, support was mixed for a new statutory day. Support was stronger from non-employers than employers.

“Both groups noted that a statutory day by itself is not a meaningful reconciliation action without ongoing public education, awareness campaigns, special events and programs.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Thank you to all Yukoners and the local businesses that responded to the survey on creating a statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” said Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn.

“We will continue engaging with Yukon First Nations to identify meaningful ways for Yukoners to observe this day and how we can continue to advance reconciliation.”

On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed Bill C-5, creating the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”.

That statutory holiday, observed every Sept. 30, commemorates the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada.

All employees who work in federally regulated industries are entitled to the statutory holiday.

Employees regulated by the Yukon’s Employment Standards Act are currently not entitled to this statutory day nor pay in lieu.

Overall, differing support for the statutory day was registered in all categories of respondents, the Yukon government reported:

• 66 per cent of all respondents are in favour of the statutory day;

• 39 per cent of employers and 74 per cent of non-employers responded that they are in favour;

• 76 per cent of Indigenous respondents support a new statutory day compared to non-Indigenous Yukoners (64 per cent);

• 43.2 per cent of employers said a new statutory holiday would have a high impact on their human resources and staffing;

• 58 per cent of employers agreed that a new statutory day would create additional labour costs for Yukon organizations; and

• 42 per cent of all respondents strongly agreed that a new statutory day would provide opportunities to celebrate, explore, and respect the Indigenous cultures.