FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

BRAMPTON, ON (September 17, 2021) – This week, Brampton City Council voted unanimously to formally recognize Canada’s first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

All City facilities will be closed and Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule, encouraging all employees and residents to participate in the opportunity to reflect, observe and take part in City and community activities.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Programming in Brampton

The City will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day through raising the Every Child Matters flag from September 27 to October 1 for Truth and Reconciliation Week. On September 30, flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast and the Brampton City Hall Clock Tower will be lit orange.

To help promote continued learning, the City will make available a website with trusted and accessible resources for employees and the public at www.brampton.ca/bramptonremembers

The City of Brampton also invites community groups and leaders to submit their September 30 programming events to Brampton’s Events Calendar.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to establish a new public holiday for federally regulated employers called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This new holiday is action number 80 from the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The day seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure that a public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Links
• City of Brampton – Brampton Remembers
• City of Brampton – Events Calendar
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)
• Government of Canada’s Virtual Event - Mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day
• Government of Canada – Federal Statutory Holiday: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Government of Canada – Bill C-5 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Orange Shirt Day

Quotes

“As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, the City of Brampton recommits to undertaking meaningful action that moves us towards greater accountability and towards achieving Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and their communities. The horrific discoveries found on former residential school sites earlier this year have served as a stark reminder of the important work we have left to do as a City, a community and as a country. I encourage everyone to take part in the City and Community-led programming on September 30 to reflect and to remember.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through a formal day of observance as an organization is a step forward in supporting Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Communities. Our team is committed to ensuring that there is an opportunity for employees, residents and community members to access resources and programming to allow them to meaningfully reflect and take part in this important day.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“Through engaged dialogue and reflection on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we can move forward in building relationships that are founded on mutual respect, trust, and recognition of Canada’s responsibility of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. As a City and a community, we all play an important role in building a society that is more compassionate, inclusive and equitable. I encourage everyone to participate in the series of events and programming being delivered by the City to honour and respect the history of the Indigenous communities in Canada, and seek opportunities for reflection on September 30.”
- Michele Byrne, Manager, Equity Office, City of Brampton

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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.