What’s open and closed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on Monday.

Canada’s annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the survivors of residential schools. It serves as a time to reflect on the legacy of these schools, the missing children, the families impacted, and the survivors. While officially designated by the Canadian government in 2021, September 30 was initially observed as Orange Shirt Day, beginning in 2013, to raise awareness about the lasting effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities and cultures.

Although September 30 is a federal statutory holiday, not all provinces and territories recognize it. British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon officially observe the day, but provinces like Ontario do not. Private companies and non-federally regulated organizations have the option to give employees the day off, which means some businesses may close on Monday.

Here's an overview of what's open and closed during the weekend and Monday, particularly for municipal services in Toronto, Durham Region, Halton Region, Hamilton, Peel Region, Waterloo Region, and York Region:

Banks

• All banks and financial institutions will be closed.

Grocery Stores and Malls

• Most grocery stores and malls will maintain regular hours.

Schools

• Ontario schools, universities, and colleges will remain open with regular classes on Monday.

Beer Store and LCBO

• The Beer Store's hours will not be impacted.
• LCBO stores will open two hours later than usual, starting at noon.

Federal Services

• Canada Post will be closed.
• Passport services will not be available.
• Service Canada offices will be closed.
• The Canada Revenue Agency will be closed.

Municipal Services

• Toronto: All services, including city hall, community centres, museums, and public libraries, will be open.
• Durham Region: All regional offices will be closed.
• Halton Region: Community centres will remain open, but city offices and libraries will be closed.
• Hamilton: All services, including city hall, community centres, museums, and public libraries, will be open.
• Peel Region: Regional offices and non-emergency services will be closed.
• Waterloo Region: All services will be operational, including city halls, community centres, museums, and public libraries.
• York Region: Regional offices will be closed, as will all Richmond Hill municipal offices, libraries, and Access Richmond Hill.

For specific details about services, it's best to check individual municipal websites.

Transit

• GO Transit and most regional bus services will run on a normal schedule.