March 16, 2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB— The Manitoba NDP is calling on the PCs to pass their Orange Shirt Day bill immediately now that it has passed to second reading.

“This bill symbolizes the hard work and advocacy of Survivors and their families – and all Manitobans want to see it passed,” said Bushie. “After voting against this bill last fall while wearing orange shirts, the PCs need to do the right thing immediately and honour the community support behind this bill. It’s up to the Premier to get this bill passed right away so all Manitobans can spend time with family learning and healing on Orange Shirt Day.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for September 30th to be marked as a day to honour residential school survivors and reflect on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2017 Wab Kinew introduced and helped pass a bill to proclaim Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba. In 2021 the federal government proclaimed it the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and made it a statutory holiday for federal workers.

The Premier and her Caucus voted against the NDP’s bill while wearing orange shirts on September 29, 2022. If they wanted to, the PCs could pass and proclaim the bill by June 1st.