The short answer is yes.

If you work in retail, a commercial office, a hotel, or a private business – you must work. Truth and Reconciliation Day is not one of Nova Scotia’s six general or paid public holidays.

Truth and Reconciliation Day, as celebrated in Nova Scotia, is not a retail closing day.  Any bar, restaurant, store, mall, service, grocery and drug store can remain open.

The only people who receive a holiday are provincial government employees, staff who work in regulated child care, and people who work in public schools (which will be closed).  For unionized employees, your union may have negotiated a day off with pay.  If so, thank your union and get active.

For the federal government, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory, paid holiday.   This covers businesses that are federally-regulated such as banks, TV and radio broadcasters, railway, airports and Canada Post. Federal offices are closed.

Truth and Reconciliation: NS style

So despite the NS government insisting it has made inroads into matters of Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous people – the NS government (along with most other provincial governments) does not require or pressure businesses or private sector employers to actively commemorate the special day. 

Featured image at the top: Orange Shirt day beaded necklace (credit: Canada.ca)