Ontario MPP Pushes for Paid Holiday on Truth and Reconciliation Day
Ontario’s only First Nation representative at Queen’s Park, Sol Mamakwa, is planning to introduce a bill, written in his Indigenous language, to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a paid provincial holiday. While the day is already a federal holiday, it is not recognized as such in Ontario. Mamakwa, a New Democrat who represents the Kiiwetinoong riding, hopes the province will follow the federal government’s lead and that Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives will support the proposal.
Truth and Reconciliation Day acknowledges the trauma endured by Inuit, First Nations, and Métis people in Canada’s residential school system. The day is currently a statutory holiday for federally regulated workers and some provinces, like British Columbia, but not yet in Ontario. It evolved from Orange Shirt Day, which started in 2013, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at a residential school in 1973 at the age of six.
Ceremony for Truth and Reconciliation Day
This afternoon, a ceremony will take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to honor the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and the children who never returned home. Governor General Mary Simon will host a sacred fire ceremony at Rideau Hall in the morning before attending the event on Parliament Hill alongside survivors and Indigenous leaders. Events will be held across the country throughout the day.
Over 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools, where many endured severe abuse. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented the stories of survivors, and it is estimated that at least 6,000 children died while attending these schools, though the real number may be much higher.
Montreal Dockworkers to Strike
Longshore workers at the Port of Montreal are preparing to strike today if a last-minute agreement is not reached. The strike could affect two terminals and roughly 35% of container shipments. The workers, part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, have been without a contract since December 31.
Saskatchewan Church Destroyed by Fire
A fire has destroyed St. George’s Anglican Church in the village of Loon Lake, Saskatchewan. The church, built in 1938, was still used for monthly services. There were no injuries, and the police are investigating the cause of the fire.
Meta VP Calls for More AI Transparency
Joelle Pineau, Vice President of AI Research at Meta, says AI companies should be more transparent about how they develop their platforms. Pineau believes companies should document key information like what data was used to create AI models, their capabilities, and the risks involved, similar to how food labels provide details on ingredients and nutrition. She hopes greater transparency will build public trust and encourage safer AI development.
